On March 7, 2024, a meeting of students from Samara University with the Rector of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Anatoly Torkunov, took place at the E.M. Primakov Center.
Anatoly Torkunov began his speech by talking about his personal acquaintance with Yevgeny Primakov. They were not only colleagues but also friends, with their families being close as well. Yevgeny Maximovich even became the godfather of one of Anatoly Vasilievich’s grandchildren.
“The existence of the E.M. Primakov Center is important because we want Yevgeny Primakov’s name to be remembered in our memory for as long as possible. We want to pass this on to future generations so that they understand the contribution Yevgeny Maximovich made to the development of Russia and its establishment as a sovereign state,” emphasized Anatoly Torkunov.
According to Anatoly Torkunov, today our diplomats are experiencing difficult times, mainly due to significant isolation in the world.
“Extremely challenging working conditions are being created, but certainly, our envoys and diplomats continue their responsible work.”
In particular, as emphasized by the Rector of MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, those involved in international relations must have a broad outlook, practically be “encyclopedists,” as diplomacy now concerns various spheres of life: ecology, information and digital technologies – all becoming part of global processes. In this regard, Anatoly Torkunov called on international relations students to look beyond their specialization and not neglect new knowledge in various fields.
Anatoly Torkunov also touched on the issue of integrating digital technologies into the work of diplomats. He shared the idea of launching a joint module for studying modern technologies.
The students were delighted to interact with Anatoly Vasilievich and personally ask questions of interest. During the discussion, the topic of becoming a diplomat was raised. When a 4th-year student from Samara University, Andrey Chistyakov, asked what was the most challenging aspect of the work, Anatoly Torkunov replied:
“First and foremost, adaptation and building communication, teamwork, because often tasks are given to the team, and, undoubtedly, communication with various people: secretaries, ambassadors, citizens. The most important skill is the ability to express your thoughts very succinctly and eloquently.”
A 4th-year student from Samara University, Alisa Brachunova, who is writing her thesis on the Asia-Pacific region, asked how Russia can build fruitful cooperation with ASEAN countries. The speaker noted that Russia has constructive dialogue with ASEAN countries, as evidenced by numerous student exchanges and the introduction of the study of languages specific to this region in universities.
At the end of the meeting, as a token of gratitude for the visit, the Rector of Samara University, Vladimir Bogatyrev, presented Anatoly Torkunov with a commemorative gift.
The meeting ended on a friendly note with the words of Anatoly Torkunov:
“We will continue to collaborate!”
Photo: Daria Yurlova, Olesya Arina
