Leading scholars, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and veterans of the diplomatic service discussed Russia’s cooperation with African countries, Latin America, and the EAEU during the 3rd Russian Diplomacy Week, themed “Integration Processes in the Modern World: Challenges and Prospects.”
The event was launched at Samara University at the site of the Regional Center for the Development of Public Diplomacy and International Relations, The Primakov Centre. With a welcoming speech to the participants and university students, Farit Mukhametshin, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, emphasized that the event was taking place at a very challenging time in the global situation.
“It is gratifying that the Regional Center for Public Diplomacy and International Relations continues to develop, not resting on what has been achieved, but gradually gaining experience and mastering new areas of activity.
I am sure the outcome of your discussions will be meaningful and practically oriented recommendations that will be useful both in your studies and in your future work,” noted Vasily Pushkov, Director for International Cooperation of the Rossiya Segodnya International Media Group.
In his speech, Pushkov spoke about information integration and media cooperation between Russia and African countries. He highlighted the importance of creating a positive media image of Russia as a necessary condition for collaboration with companies and governments of the African continent.
“The vast majority of African media outlets are developing media companies that are forced to seek any forms of support from major players on the global stage.
Our colleagues from Western countries have created a fantastic resource base that allows them to dominate for months. And we can easily share our experience, resources, and correspondents.
In the end, we gain serious engagement from African media,” he explained.
According to Pushkov, Rossiya Segodnya offers its African partners resources and products that are in high demand.
As a result, today the agency has partners in 80% of African countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed that a single topic can be viewed from many different perspectives. Western news agencies’ coverage often differs little from one another, while African media representatives turn to Russia and China for alternative viewpoints and sources of information.
“This makes it possible to build true multipolarity,” Pushkov stressed.
The Russian Diplomacy Week is held for the third time at Samara University.
Participants include leading specialists from Russian universities and academic institutes, employees of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and high-ranking diplomats, including Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, active diplomats, and veterans of the diplomatic service with extensive work experience in various countries of the world.
“Thus, students of the International Relations program at our university can not only broaden their horizons and enhance their knowledge, but also engage in dialogue with those who have directly participated — and continue to participate — in developing international relations, solving global problems, and advancing intercultural communication,” concluded University Rector Vladimir Bogatyrev.
Source: RIA Novosti