UNN and Russian higher education institutions: new prospects for cooperation with Serbia

Konstantin Kemaev, Director for International Cooperation of Lobachevsky University, took part in the roundtable discussion titled "University Cooperation between Russia, Serbia, and Republika Srpska: Current Experience and Prospects for Interaction." The event was held at the Russian International Affairs Council  with the support of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in Serbia.

The event brought together employees of the Russian Houses in Belgrade and Banja Luka, as well as representatives of Russian universities that have close ties with Serbia and Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). During the discussion, participants exchanged views on the optimal forms of cooperation with Serbian partners, highlighted effective tools for developing "soft power" in the region, and discussed successful Russian-Serbian educational projects from recent years.

Special attention was given to the role of Russian regional universities in fostering academic cooperation with Serbian partners. Konstantin Kemaev presented Lobachevsky University's experience in developing multi-level cluster cooperation with gymnasiums, universities, scientific and public organizations, and industrial partners in Serbia.

Representatives of other Russian institutions of higher education also spoke about the activities of their universities in the Balkan area, The meeting participants emphasized the need to establish an expert community consisting of representatives from Serbian/Balkan centres of Russian universities to strengthen networking in the fields of science, education, culture, and youth programs.