Penza State University strengthens cooperation with the Republic of Kazakhstan

On September 30, PSU hosted a delegation from the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kazan, led by Consul General Erlan Iskakov. The visit, dedicated to strengthening bilateral cooperation in education and science, was a significant event in the strategic partnership between Russia and Kazakhstan.

The programme began with a tour of the PSU Information and Exhibition Center, where guests were introduced to key milestones in the development of the University.

Opening the meeting, First Vice-Rector Dmitry Artamonov emphasized:

"The history of our university dates back to 1943, when Penza Industrial Institute, a talent pool for the Penza economy, was established on the premises of the evacuated Odessa Industrial Institute. Today, PSU is not only the successor to these glorious traditions but also a modern scientific and educational center. Our distinguished alumni, including State Prize laureates, Olympic champions, and prominent scientists, are the best proof of the quality of our education."

The official part continued with a roundtable discussion featuring representatives of the Penza region's universities, students from Kazakhstan, and colleagues from the regional Ministry of Education. Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at Penza State University, outlined the development vector:

"This meeting is the starting point for large-scale projects. We are planning not only academic exchanges but also joint grant applications, conferences, and internships. In October, a PSU delegation will visit Kazakhstan to discuss cooperation in law enforcement and national security. The Russian Ministry of Education actively supports such initiatives."

Aleksey Agafonkin, Head of the Education Policy Department of the Penza Region Ministry of Education, added:

"Our countries have enjoyed a long-standing friendship based on mutual respect. Recently, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law simplifying the establishment of Russian universities branches in the republic. I am confident that today's agreements will form the basis for new joint programmes—from student exchanges to scientific research."

Consul General Erlan Iskakov expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and noted:

"Kazakhstan and Russia are strategic allies, and regional partnership plays a key role here. The growth in the number of Kazakh students in the Penza region—from 28 to 60 in recent years—demonstrates trust in Russian education. Around 3,000 of our citizens are currently studying in the Volga Federal District, and we are interested in maintaining this momentum. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including academic mobility, is an important step toward strengthening the ties between our peoples."

PSU students from Kazakhstan shared their impressions of their studies.

"I am an active student at the Institute of International Cooperation. PSU provides not only knowledge but also opportunities for creativity. I participate in scientific conferences, volunteer projects, and even the Miss World contest. Here I discover new sides of myself," said Veronika Kim.

"I am a sixth-year student at the Medical Institute, PSU, and am a member of the student surgery team. Thanks to the support of the University, we represent PSU at national Olympiads in Kazan, Samara, and Ufa. This is invaluable experience for my future profession," noted Victoria Stulnikova.
 
At the end of the meeting, the guests watched a video presentation where PSU is called a "leader in international education."

Vice-Rector Gleb Sintsov summarized:

"The goal of the University is not only to provide knowledge but also to create conditions for the comprehensive development of students. We are proud that our students combine their studies with scientific, creative, and social activities."

A group photo session marked the symbolic end of the visit.