Pakistani, Russian varsities agree to improve bilateral ties

MoU signed between MGIMO and KCFR to share information

KARACHI: The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), which is run by the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Karachi Council for Foreign Relations (KCFR). KCFR was representing Iqra University, Karachi.  According to the MoU, MGIMO and Iqra University will work together towards the development and strengthening of traditional relations of friendship between Pakistan and Russia.

The MoU was signed between Russian rector Anatoly V Torkunov in absentia, and KCFR Secretary-General Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi at the Russian Consulate in presence of Consul General Oleg N Avdeev.



The two varsities agreed to take steps such as exchange of delegations and experts for sharing experience and information, participation in scientific conferences and symposiums, exchange of faculty and students, holding of joint conferences and exchange of academic literature and publications.

Commenting on the agreement, Zubairi told The Express Tribune that the MoU holds a unique distinction as it involves two reputed varsities that have recognised the need of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Zubairi was of the view that the think tanks and academics must fill the vacuum where the foreign office cannot play an active role in advancing relations with other countries.