Oriental studies at the core of inter-university cooperation: Russian scholars visit YSU

Today, Yerevan State University hosted a delegation from Moscow State University, including Alexey Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies, Alexey Muravyov, Head of the Department of Caucasian and Central Asian Studies, and Ekaterina Sintsova, Deputy Director of International Relations at the Institute. The guests met with the Rector of YSU, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, to discuss opportunities for expanding cooperation. They then visited the Faculty of Oriental Studies, focusing on ways to strengthen existing collaborative ties. During the visit, the guests also delivered lectures.

During the meeting with the rector of YSU, which was also attended by Alexander Markarov, the Head of YSU International Cooperation Office, Ruben Melikonyan, the Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, and Bishop Anushavan Zhamkochyan, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, the main directions of the activities of both institutions and their upcoming plans were presented.

The discussions also focused on potential joint projects and initiatives in areas of mutual interest, as well as ways to expand cooperation. Special emphasis was placed on implementing exchange programs for professors and students and organizing initiatives for the exchange of best practices. Alexei Maslov mentioned plans to reopen the Center for Armenian Studies, where several joint programs will be implemented.

Ruben Melkonyan, the Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, while introducing the guests, noted: "The guests visited the university within the framework of cooperation between the two faculties to discuss the new phase of cooperation and specific programs. The cooperation plans include exchange programs for professors and students, joint research projects, publication preparation, a summer school on oriental studies in collaboration with St. Petersburg State University, and other initiatives."

Following the discussions on expanding cooperation in the academic sector, renowned Chinese scholar, Professor Alexey Maslov, the Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, delivered a lecture at YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies. Emphasizing the importance of studying the history of Eastern peoples, he specifically addressed the current issues in oriental studies and presented a professional analysis. Alexey Muravyov, Head of the Department of Caucasian and Central Asian Studies, gave a lecture on the literature of the South Caucasus in Russian science, exploring it as a subject of oriental studies.

Mane Mamyan, President of the Student Council of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, underlined the significance of expanding cooperation between the two universities and stated that these lectures related to key issues in oriental studies will broaden students' worldviews and contribute to their professional development.

The lectures were attended by the faculty members and students from the Faculty of Oriental Studies, as well as guests. At the end of the event, the speakers answered questions from the students.