VIII congress of Russian orientalists opens in Kazan

VIII congress of Russian orientalists has opened in Kazan. Tatarstan’s Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov welcomed participants of the event.

All-Russia congress of orientalists is held once in two years. This year the forum is organised by the Institute of oriental studies of the Russian Academy of sciences, Kazan (Volga) Federal University, the Institute of oriental studies and international relations (KFU), Scientific Council for oriental studies of the Russian Academy of sciences, Society of Russian orientalists and Department of historical and philological studies of the Russian Academy of sciences.

Problems of education in the sphere of oriental studies, multi-factor analysis of the Eastern history, culture and religions and some aspects of the modern system of international relations are to be discussed at the forum. Chairman of the Tatarstan Government Ildar Khalikov said that today’s event is very important.

Ildar Khalikov read out greetings on behalf of the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov addressed to participants and guests of the event. It says in particular that Tatarstan always played an important role in relations among Russian peoples, mutual enrichment of Eastern and Western cultures.

“Holding of such an important forum points to recognition of achievements of our orientalists in studying urgent scientific problems. Under the conditions of global changes we need constant renewal of our knowledge about the East, scientific forecast regarding development of Eastern countries and regions. This forum will surely help to realize these tasks.”

Rector of the Kazan federal university Ilshat Gafurov made a brief presentation.

Konstantin Shuvalov, Ambassador at large of the RF Ministry of foreign affairs, special representative of the RF Ministry of foreign affairs on interaction with Alliance of Civilizations read out greetings of the Russian Minister of foreign affairs Sergei Lavrov.

President of the Society of Russian orientalists Vitaly Naumkin read out the decision of the society’s presidium about presentation of the golden medal of Ignaty Krachkovsky, one of the prestigious awards of the Russian scientific society of orientalists to the RT State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev. Vitaly Naumkin gave the medal to Tatarstan’s Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov.

VIII congress of Russian orientalists will last till September 28.