The "Hablemos con Rusia" ("Let's Talk with Russia") summer school for young leaders from Latin America has concluded at Derzhavin University. Twelve experts, diplomats, journalists, and representatives of non-profit organizations from ten countries worked at the university for four days. The intensive program included lectures on contemporary international relations, work on joint projects for potential cooperation, and a tour of the university and Tambov.
"In the West, Latin American countries have always been considered last in line. Here, we don't feel that way. We appreciate Russia's willingness to accept us so we can study at universities," said Ivan Bonicci (Argentina), political coordinator of the Center for Integration and Cooperation between Russia and Latin America.
Following the program, each participant received a certificate of completion of the educational program in international relations. This certificate opens the door to further study or a long-term internship at Derzhavin University.
" Derzhavin University is systematically developing as a 'university of public diplomacy,'" noted Rector Pavel Moiseev. "The 'Let's Talk to Russia' school is a milestone for us. Its outcome will not only be joint projects, but also our guests' impressions of Russia—both in the capital and in the provinces. I hope the first joint projects will emerge very soon. They will also help build ties between the Tambov Region and Latin America."
At a meeting with summer school participants, Pavel Moiseev announced that Derzhavin University will establish the first public diplomacy department in a Russian university. It will be headed by Natalia Burlinova, a member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, a PhD in political science, and a leading expert in the field.
