MGIMO International

MGIMO is heading to China! 🤝 🌐From 24 to 31 October, the MGIMO International team will host a series of educational events for Chinese school students and university students. Five cities, new connections and plenty of opportunities to discover MGIMO await! What do we have in store for future applicants? 📚 MGIMO International School Olympiad

This year, Chinese school students will have their first opportunity to take part in the Olympiad in person. Winners will have the opportunity to study at MGIMO tuition-free, while runners-up will receive priority consideration for fee-paying places.

🎓 MGIMO Days

We will introduce school and university students to MGIMO, its schools and programmes for international applicants. The programme will feature university presentations, admissions workshops, expert talks and an interactive quiz on Russian-Chinese cooperation.

📍Our China tour 🇨🇳 24–27 October | Beijing In China's capital, we will hold the International School Olympiad and host MGIMO Days for future applicants. 🇨🇳 26 October | Tianjin We will visit local schools to introduce students to MGIMO and the opportunities it offers. 🇨🇳 28–29 October | Changchun We will hold the Olympiad and MGIMO Days, meet local school students, and tell them more about admissions and student life. 🇨🇳 28–29 October | Dalian Maria Utkina, Deputy Dean for Master's Programmes at MGIMO's School of Governance and Politics, will deliver a lecture for students at Dalian University of Foreign Languages. 🇨🇳 30–31 October | Guangzhou We will wrap up the programme in Guangzhou with the Olympiad, MGIMO Days and visits to local schools. New knowledge, new connections and a chance to take the first step towards studying at MGIMO lie ahead. See you in China! 中国见! 🐼 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🇹🇲 A MGIMO delegation recently visited Turkmenistan — and this is a great occasion to continue our #successstory series with a conversation with someone who very recently went from applicant to student. Today we spoke with Kerim Dovletov — a 1st-year student of the School of International Law from Turkmenistan. He told us how one trip to Moscow determined his path to MGIMO, why it is worth joining the International Applicants Club, and what helped him settle into a new country quickly. 🎓 Kerim started thinking about studying at MGIMO while still in secondary school:

Back in the 8th grade, I realized that I wanted to devote my life to law, politics and international relations. And in 2025, thanks to a happy coincidence, while taking part in the "Train of Memory" project in Moscow, I learned about MGIMO — one of the world's leading humanities universities, known for its strong language training. Choosing a school was fairly easy for me: law was what interested me from the very beginning.

🔹 Even before enrolling, Kerim became a member of the MGIMO International Applicants Club:

Joining the Applicants Club was one of the best decisions I could have made before enrolling. I gained the opportunity to attend lectures by the best professors, get to know university life, and stay up to date on current events and activities. The Club opened up a whole world of opportunities for me and helped me feel like part of the MGIMO community even before I became a student.

💭 What turned out to be the most interesting in the first months of studying?

My first impressions of MGIMO can be described in two words — a pleasant shock. I was struck by the scale of the university, as well as the level at which the events here are organized. As for the studies, the rumors are true: the language training here really is very strong, and not only language training — the university provides a serious academic foundation in other disciplines as well. What also surprised me were the students themselves: how well-educated, ambitious, intellectual and results-driven they are. Another distinctive feature of MGIMO is its truly international atmosphere. Here you can meet and become friends with people from anywhere in the world. This makes the university not just a place of study, but a space where different cultures, opinions and life stories come together.

📍About life in Russia and Moscow:

Before moving, it may seem that getting used to life in another country and finding common ground with new people will be difficult. But my experience at MGIMO turned out to be completely the opposite. From the very first days I felt like part of one big family. Other students are always ready to help, support and give advice if any difficulties arise. Thanks to this, my adaptation to life in Moscow was much easier than I could have imagined. I realized that the most important thing is to be in the right environment, where you are accepted, supported and helped to move forward. At MGIMO, such an environment truly exists.

📌 What would you advise applicants from Turkmenistan and other countries who are just starting their path to enrolling at MGIMO?

I would definitely advise joining the International Applicants Club. As I already said, it is a sea of opportunities that are definitely worth taking advantage of. I would also advise paying special attention to learning foreign languages, because they open many doors and play an important role in admission to MGIMO.

We thank Kerim for the inspiring conversation and hope that his story will help you choose MGIMO as the first step toward your international career! ➡️ You can join the MGIMO International Applicants Club via the link. 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

October 14 — Celebrating MGIMO’s 82nd Anniversary 🌐 Today, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) celebrates its 82nd anniversary. Founded on October 14, 1944, on the basis of Moscow State University’s School of International Relations, MGIMO began training diplomats for a country that would help shape the postwar world order. Welcoming international students has been part of its identity almost from the outset: in 1946, exactly 80 years ago, MGIMO admitted its first students from abroad.

As international relations evolved, so did the institute. In 1954, it incorporated the Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies, whose roots reach back to the Lazarev School of Oriental Languages, founded in 1815. The Institute of Foreign Trade followed in 1958. These mergers united diplomatic training with in-depth study of world regions, foreign languages and international economics. In 1994, MGIMO gained university status while retaining its historic name. Over the decades, MGIMO has developed from a specialist institute for training diplomats into a multidisciplinary centre for education and research. Its core mission, however, has endured: to prepare professionals who can understand a changing world and help shape its future.

✨ MGIMO’s alumni include heads of state and government, foreign ministers and leaders of international organisations:

• Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (MGIMO ’75), President of Kazakhstan • Ilham Aliyev (MGIMO ’82), President of Azerbaijan • Irina Bokova (MGIMO ’76), Director-General of UNESCO from 2009 to 2017 • Talatbek Masadykov (MGIMO ’84), Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) • Saleumxay Kommasith (MGIMO ’92), unanimously confirmed as Prime Minister of Laos on October 5 of this year

📍 Today, MGIMO is home to students from more than 90 countries.

For international students, studying at MGIMO offers an opportunity to discover Russia through its language, history and culture. This diverse university community brings different perspectives into the classroom, helping students understand global issues in their wider historical and cultural context. The relationships formed along the way often grow into lasting friendships and professional partnerships.

MGIMO also holds a distinctive place in international relations scholarship.

Its scholars explore the forces shaping global affairs, the ways historical experience informs contemporary policy, and the varied interests and visions of the future that guide societies. Through their own theoretical perspectives and approaches, Russian scholars contribute to international academic debate and offer new ways of understanding how the world is changing.

Congratulations to MGIMO’s students, alumni, faculty and staff — all those who carry its traditions forward, advance Russia’s rich tradition of international relations scholarship and deepen our understanding of global affairs. May the years ahead bring new discoveries, bold ideas and fruitful international collaboration. Happy Birthday, MGIMO! 🩵 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🇹🇲 MGIMO in Turkmenistan On October 10—12, the International Exhibition and Scientific Conference "Healthcare, Education and Sport in the Era of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State" took place in Ashgabat. MGIMO was represented at the event by Ekaterina Shuvalova, Advisor to the Rectorate — Deputy Vice-Rector for International Ties, Youth and Social Policy. 📍 The exhibition brought together representatives of educational organizations and specialists in science, healthcare and sports from around the world at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. As part of the events, MGIMO presented:

✔️ the university's educational opportunities and programs; ✔️ admission specifics for foreign citizens; ✔️ the MGIMO International School Olympiad; ✔️ International Applicants Club; ✔️ professional development opportunities after graduation.

❗️ MGIMO presentations were also held at the Russian House in Ashgabat and the Alexander Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School. ⛓️‍💥 On October 12, as part of the exhibition and conference, Ekaterina Shuvalova took part in the round table "Sports Diplomacy," organized by the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Education and Sports.

Experts discussed the role of sport as a tool for international cooperation and strengthening relations between states.

MGIMO's participation in the events in Ashgabat became a contribution to the development of educational and humanitarian ties between Russia and Turkmenistan. Ashgabat, thank you for the warm welcome! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🌏 Ekaterina Koldunova, Director of the ASEAN Centre at MGIMO University, on Philippines Day at MGIMO, 50 years of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Philippines, and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

On 6 October, MGIMO hosted Philippines Day to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Republic of the Philippines.

The event was organised by the ASEAN Centre at MGIMO and the Russian and Philippine embassies. It brought together diplomats from both countries, representatives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, academics, business leaders and MGIMO students.

➡ The opening ceremony was hosted by Ekaterina Koldunova, Director of the ASEAN Centre and Associate Professor in MGIMO’s Department of Asian and African Studies.

Discussions explored the history of bilateral relations and prospects for closer political, economic, educational and cultural cooperation. Participants emphasised the importance of people-to-people ties, particularly academic exchanges and the education of specialists with a thorough understanding of both countries’ history, culture and contemporary affairs.

➡ Igor Bailen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Russian Federation, delivered welcoming remarks.

He described the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976 as a turning point in Philippine foreign policy, reflecting a commitment to pragmatic cooperation and respect for each other’s national interests. A central theme of his address was the importance of educating a new generation of Filipino specialists on Russia. Ambassador Bailen stressed that Russia’s growing interest in Southeast Asia should be matched by research on Russia in ASEAN countries. He identified MGIMO as one of the institutions nurturing a new generation of such specialists. Among those attending were MGIMO’s first students from the Philippines: two master’s students on the ASEAN Centre’s programme and a first-year undergraduate at MGIMO’s School of International Relations. The Ambassador concluded by emphasising the value of intellectual inquiry and reminding the audience that the ultimate purpose of education is to serve society.

➡ Marat Pavlov, Russia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, addressed participants in a video message.

He described the meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Kazan as the defining political event of the anniversary year. He highlighted priority areas for bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, tourism, healthcare and education, with particular emphasis on university partnerships, student exchanges and mutual interest in each other’s languages and cultures. Ambassador Pavlov also welcomed the enrolment of the first two Filipino students in MGIMO’s Russia–ASEAN master’s programme in 2026. He suggested that the Tagalog concept of bayanihan—a spirit of communal cooperation and mutual support—captured the essence of relations between the two countries.

🎓 The opening ceremony was followed by an academic conference.

The programme included a session on Russia–Philippines relations in a multipolar world, a session on sustainable economic cooperation and a roundtable entitled “Philippine Literature through the Lens of Russian Translation”.

MGIMO’s English-taught master’s programme in Political Economy of the ASEAN–Russia Strategic Partnership makes a practical contribution to these educational ties. In 2026, it welcomed 27 students, with eight ASEAN countries represented in the incoming cohort. The next chapter in Russia–Philippines relations will depend in large part on professionals who can bridge differences in understanding and identify opportunities to work together. Training these professionals is an important part of MGIMO’s mission. 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

The second season of the MGIMO International Applicants Club has started — which means a packed programme of events is waiting for our participants this month! 📌 On October 9, we will hold “Meet the Club” Presentation: Introduction to MGIMO and the International Applicants Club

Would you like to learn more about the Club, its events and opportunities for participants? We will tell you more about how the Club works, what activities await you and how the Club can help you get to know MGIMO better even before admission.

5 PM (MSK) — in Russian 6 PM (MSK) — in English 📌 On October 17 at 7 PM (MSK), join “Future Talks” English Conversation on Ambitions, Goals and Plans for the Future

This is the first event organized by the team behind the Club’s Language Lab thematic track. We will talk about what we want to achieve, what we aspire to, and how we see our future, while also practising English in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

📌 On October 27 at 5 PM (MSK), we will host a Lecture “Who Is a Diplomat and How Can You Become One?”

What skills should a modern diplomat have, and where does the path to the profession begin? Roman Reinhardt, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the Department of Diplomacy, MGIMO University, will answer these questions.

⚡️️️️️ We remind you that all prospective MGIMO students have the opportunity to join our community for international applicants and take part in these and following events! ❤️ See you at the Club events! #InternationalApplicantsClub Learn more about MGIMO on our website. 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🇱🇦 MGIMO Graduate Appointed Prime Minister of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, graduate of MGIMO's School of International Relations, class of '92, was appointed Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on 5 October — all 158 members of the National Assembly present voted in favour of his candidacy. ⏩ Saleumxay Kommasith was born in 1968 in Houaphanh Province in northeastern Laos. In 1986, he came to the USSR and enrolled at MGIMO's School of International Relations. In addition to his native Lao, he speaks Russian, English and French. Diplomacy is a significant part of his career:

Saleumxay Kommasith worked at the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed its Department of International Organizations, and served as his country's Permanent Representative to the UN and as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

🏷 In 2016, Saleumxay Kommasith was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, and in 2022, while remaining minister, he also became Deputy Prime Minister. He headed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until 2024, after which he took the position of Permanent Deputy Prime Minister in the Lao Government. 🇷🇺 Saleumxay Kommasith's ties with Russia go beyond his studies at MGIMO. As Foreign Minister, he met repeatedly with Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and was actively involved in developing relations between Moscow and Vientiane — in 2021, he was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship for his contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership. ⏩ He has also maintained his connection with his alma mater: in 2025, Saleumxay Kommasith led a Lao delegation to MGIMO — on that occasion, the University was awarded the Lao Order of Friendship. Congratulations to the MGIMO graduate on the new high appointment! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🇨🇳 MGIMO hosted its fifth China Week from 28 September to 2 October

Held since 2018, the festival brings together students, scholars and practitioners whose studies or careers focus on China and Russia–China relations.

Opening Ceremony The festival opened with remarks by Anatoly Torkunov, MGIMO Rector, Ivan Melnikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, Zhang Hanhui, Chinese Ambassador to Russia, Andrey Rudenko, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, and Kirill Barsky, Head of MGIMO’s Department of Diplomacy.

Anatoly Torkunov recalled that it was at MGIMO that Xi Jinping first presented the concept of a Community of Common Destiny for Mankind to an international audience.

Speaking about the level of mutual trust between Russia and China, Zhang Hanhui noted: “We used to say ‘shoulder to shoulder’; now we say ‘back to back’. It is a position on the battlefield: you trust your partner to protect your most vulnerable point — your back.”

One of the highlights of the opening day was a meeting with Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the Q&A session, students discussed the future of the international order, Russia and China as civilisational states, and the professional development of future diplomats. Speaking about university education, Maria Zakharova emphasised the importance of independent study: “University teaches you to learn at a different level. If you want to learn, you will be given every opportunity. If you do not, no one can force you. Your main task is to gain knowledge. For your first three years, focus on your studies. If you have free time, read.”

Each of the festival’s five days focused on a different area of Chinese studies: ➡ Diplomacy

Natalia Pryzhkova, Russia’s Consul General in Shenyang, and Alexander Lysov of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department led participants through a series of practical consular cases. Kirill Barsky delivered a lecture on Chinese etiquette

➡ Economics and Business

In a case simulation led by Oleg Remyga, CEO of Shenzhen Oriental Communication, and Ivan Zuenko, academic adviser to the China Club, participants analysed an international transaction involving a Chinese company and its potential implications for the Russian market. A separate roundtable focused on prospects for industrial and technological cooperation between Russia and China

➡ Politics and History

Representatives of the Russian Embassy in Beijing, the Russian Consulate General in Guangzhou and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretariat shared insights into the work of Russian diplomatic and consular missions in China. Sergey Dmitriev of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies delivered a lecture on the historical foundations of contemporary Chinese culture

➡ Law

On 1 October, China’s National Day, Alexander Zainigabdinov of China Window Consulting Group led a case simulation on the legal aspects of working with Chinese partners. Pavel Troshchinsky (MGIMO and the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of China and Contemporary Asia) gave a lecture on the distinctive features of China’s legal system and its differences from the Russian legal framework

➡ Language and Linguistics

Ekaterina Vasina, a Chinese-language interpreter at the Russian MFA, spoke about the practice of simultaneous interpreting. Tatyana Uryvskaya examined the use of alphabetic words and abbreviations in Chinese, drawing on examples from leading Chinese media outlets.

Academic Conference

China Week also featured a conference for young researchers. Four thematic panels brought together students and experts from the Russian MFA, IMEMO and MGIMO. Selected papers will be recommended for publication in a collected volume indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index.

Closing Ceremony

The festival concluded on 2 October with a concert on MGIMO’s Small Stage. The programme featured performances of “Jasmine Flower” (茉莉花), “左手指月” and “别让爱凋落”.

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🇨🇳 MGIMO hosted its fifth China Week from 28 September to 2 October

Held since 2018, the festival brings together students, scholars and practitioners whose studies or careers focus on China and Russia–China relations.

Opening Ceremony The festival opened with remarks by Anatoly Torkunov, MGIMO Rector, Ivan Melnikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, Zhang Hanhui, Chinese Ambassador to Russia, Andrey Rudenko, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, and Kirill Barsky, Head of MGIMO’s Department of Diplomacy.

Anatoly Torkunov recalled that it was at MGIMO that Xi Jinping first presented the concept of a Community of Common Destiny for Mankind to an international audience.

Speaking about the level of mutual trust between Russia and China, Zhang Hanhui noted: “We used to say ‘shoulder to shoulder’; now we say ‘back to back’. It is a position on the battlefield: you trust your partner to protect your most vulnerable point — your back.”

One of the highlights of the opening day was a meeting with Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the Q&A session, students discussed the future of the international order, Russia and China as civilisational states, and the professional development of future diplomats. Speaking about university education, Maria Zakharova emphasised the importance of independent study: “University teaches you to learn at a different level. If you want to learn, you will be given every opportunity. If you do not, no one can force you. Your main task is to gain knowledge. For your first three years, focus on your studies. If you have free time, read.”

Each of the festival’s five days focused on a different area of Chinese studies: ➡ Diplomacy

Natalia Pryzhkova, Russia’s Consul General in Shenyang, and Alexander Lysov of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department led participants through a series of practical consular cases. Kirill Barsky delivered a lecture on Chinese etiquette

➡ Economics and Business

In a case simulation led by Oleg Remyga, CEO of Shenzhen Oriental Communication, and Ivan Zuenko, academic adviser to the China Club, participants analysed an international transaction involving a Chinese company and its potential implications for the Russian market. A separate roundtable focused on prospects for industrial and technological cooperation between Russia and China

➡ Politics and History

Representatives of the Russian Embassy in Beijing, the Russian Consulate General in Guangzhou and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretariat shared insights into the work of Russian diplomatic and consular missions in China. Sergey Dmitriev of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies delivered a lecture on the historical foundations of contemporary Chinese culture

➡ Law

On 1 October, China’s National Day, Alexander Zainigabdinov of China Window Consulting Group led a case simulation on the legal aspects of working with Chinese partners. Pavel Troshchinsky (MGIMO and the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of China and Contemporary Asia) gave a lecture on the distinctive features of China’s legal system and its differences from the Russian legal framework

➡ Language and Linguistics

Ekaterina Vasina, a Chinese-language interpreter at the Russian MFA, spoke about the practice of simultaneous interpreting. Tatyana Uryvskaya examined the use of alphabetic words and abbreviations in Chinese, drawing on examples from leading Chinese media outlets.

Academic Conference

China Week also featured a conference for young researchers. Four thematic panels brought together students and experts from the Russian MFA, IMEMO and MGIMO. Selected papers will be recommended for publication in a collected volume indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index.

Closing Ceremony

The festival concluded on 2 October with a concert on MGIMO’s Small Stage. The programme featured performances of “Jasmine Flower” (茉莉花), “左手指月” and “别让爱凋落”.

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🇹🇲 MGIMO is going to Turkmenistan! MGIMO will take part in the International Exhibition and Scientific Conference "Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Era of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State," which will be held in October 10-12 in Ashgabat. A special series of events will introduce schoolchildren and students of Turkmenistan to the opportunities for studying in Russia and to MGIMO's role as a global academic center. 👉 During the events, participants will learn about:

✔ Opportunities for studying in Russia and at leading Russian universities; ✔ MGIMO's programmes in international relations, economics, law, political science, and more; ✔ Admission rules for international applicants; ✔ International career tracks and MGIMO's global alumni network — and much more!

📌 In addition, a presentation of MGIMO and other Russian universities will be held at the Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian School.

The programme includes quizzes and a Q&A session with representatives of MGIMO and other Russian universities!

See you in Ashgabat! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🌐 These students once simply submitted their applications — and today they're studying at MGIMO! Maybe the next success story is yours. Make sure to register by October 31, 2026! ❗️ int-olymp-mgimo.com

🚨 Don't miss your chance to apply for the MGIMO International School Olympiad! Are you a high school student thinking about applying to one of Russia's leading universities? Registration for the MGIMO International School Olympiad for foreign citizens is still open — but time is running out! ❗️ Registration for the MGIMO International School Olympiad is ongoing at int-olymp-mgimo.com.

The Olympiad offers foreign school students a unique opportunity to study at MGIMO free of charge.

🌐 This year, the competition is open to citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Serbia, Mongolia, India, Iran, African and Latin American countries.

➡️ For the first time, the Olympiad will be open to citizens of China and ASEAN countries.

Participants will be tested on their knowledge of: ✅ Russian (for citizens of CIS countries); ✅ English; ✅ Geography, World History, and International Relations. The Olympiad will be held in two stages: 🔵 November 2026 — qualifying round in the format of online testing; 🔵 March 2027 — final round in a hybrid format in the host country. NB: registration is open until October 31, 2026. Don't wait until the last day — apply now! ➡️ Learn more about the Olympiad and register at int-olymp-mgimo.com 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

On September 29, MGIMO welcomed a delegation from the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), led by Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to the Russian Federation 🇷🇺🇦🇪

The Academy was established in Abu Dhabi in 2014 to train specialists in diplomacy and international relations. Since 2021, it has borne the name of Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the UAE.

📄 MGIMO and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy signed a cooperation agreement

Ahead of the lecture, the delegation was received by MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov. The talks brought together representatives of MGIMO, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE Embassy and the Diplomatic Academy. The two sides agreed on practical steps towards launching semester-long student exchanges and discussed further areas of cooperation, including plans for a joint dual-degree Master’s programme. The meeting concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between MGIMO and AGDA.

➡As part of the visit, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of the Academy, delivered a lecture on the UAE’s foreign policy in a changing international order. The event was moderated by Stanislav Surovtsev, Vice-Rector for International Ties, Youth and Social Policy. 🔵States in a Changing Global Order

According to Dr Al Dhaheri, the international system is becoming increasingly multipolar, with new centres of power emerging and competition among major powers intensifying. Against this backdrop, middle powers are assuming a greater role, while technology, energy and data are gaining importance as factors in global politics.

🔵Foreign Policy Principles and the Role of Diplomacy in the UAE

The UAE’s longstanding foreign policy principles include respect for state sovereignty, the peaceful settlement of conflicts, maintaining dialogue even amid disagreements, humanitarian assistance and economic cooperation. According to Dr Al Dhaheri, these principles remain unchanged, while the scale and forms of the UAE’s international engagement continue to evolve. Over the past several decades, the UAE has considerably expanded its diplomatic engagement. It has developed mediation mechanisms, maintained channels of communication between parties to conflicts and taken a more active role in discussions on regional security. Trade, investment and technology projects also serve as instruments of foreign policy, helping the UAE build ties across different regions while avoiding excessive dependence on any single economic or political centre. The same approach extends to multilateral diplomacy and cooperation in areas ranging from space and artificial intelligence to nuclear and renewable energy, healthcare and public diplomacy.

🔵Russia–UAE Relations

Russia and the UAE continue to develop cooperation in trade and investment, energy, technology, space and healthcare. Diplomatic engagement is another important dimension of bilateral relations, including the UAE’s mediation initiatives.

🔵Regional Security and Long-Term Priorities

Dr Al Dhaheri described the events of 2026 in the region as a serious test for the Gulf states’ model of security and openness. In response, the UAE is combining stronger defence capabilities with continued diplomatic engagement, greater economic resilience and more robust infrastructure. Over the coming decade, the UAE intends to expand its ties with Africa and Latin America, contribute to addressing security challenges in the Gulf, and train a new generation of diplomats and engineers.

✨ At the end of the meeting, Dr Al Dhaheri praised MGIMO students for their high level of proficiency in Arabic. 🌐 MGIMO for International Students (RUS) / MGIMO International (ENG)

Apply now to take part in the Arctic Laboratory! ⏩ The Arctic Laboratory is a project organised by BRICS Project Lab together with the Project Office for Arctic Development (PORA). It will take place in Moscow (the Library for Foreign Literature and the PORA office) from 26 to 30 October. ⏩ BRICS Project Lab is an international youth forum that brings together students, researchers, and young scholars from Russia and BRICS countries to develop innovative projects aimed at advancing international cooperation.

The Lab has been successfully running at MGIMO for more than 3 years, and during this time it has produced in-demand project solutions for organisations such as Rosmolodezh, the ICRC, the Russian Export Center, and others.

⏩ The Project Office for Arctic Development (PORA) is an independent expert centre founded in 2017 that conducts interdisciplinary research and promotes the sustainable development of the Arctic region.

PORA unites more than 400 experts, fosters cooperation between business, researchers, and government institutions, and supports the implementation of Arctic projects through grant programmes and analytical initiatives.

What awaits participants in the Arctic Laboratory: ➡️ The track focuses on developing a draft BRICS interstate standard for scientific and technical cooperation. ➡️ Participants will work on the following task: develop a draft interstate BRICS standard for scientific and technical cooperation, applicable to existing or potential cooperation projects in the Russian Arctic zone — covering everything from terminology and procedures to specific requirements, similar in approach to GOST, ISO, and IEC standards. 📌 The track is open exclusively to international participants and will be conducted entirely in English.

We welcome participants with backgrounds in international cooperation, standardisation and technical regulation, engineering, Arctic studies, law, and analytics. Specialists in energy, logistics, ecology, international relations, and regional studies are also invited to take part.

The Laboratory's partners include:

🔵 Gazprom 🔵 FESCO Transportation Group 🔵 Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Arktikugol" State Trust 🔵 V-ALTER Payment Centre LLC 🔵 Project Office for Arctic Development (PORA)

📎 Registration is now open via this link. Application deadline: October 1 ✨ We wish all applicants the best of luck during the selection stage! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🌐 Milorad Dodik at MGIMO On 28 September, Milorad Dodik, leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) and former President of Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), delivered a lecture at MGIMO entitled "The Future of Cooperation between Russia and Republika Srpska in the New System of International Relations". MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov, Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, welcomed the guests and audience. Reflecting on Dodik’s political career, he highlighted his unwavering commitment to defending the interests of the Serb people.

Anatoly Torkunov spoke of the challenges facing Republika Srpska, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s two entities. He noted that the legacy of Yugoslavia’s breakup continues to shape the region, where disputes remain unresolved long after the armed conflicts ended. He also recalled visiting Republika Srpska as part of a delegation led by Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov, describing the visit as one of the most memorable experiences of his diplomatic career.

Continuing on Russian-Serbian ties, the Rector spoke about cooperation in education: ➡ four students from Republika Srpska are currently studying at MGIMO, and more than ten have already graduated; ➡ Serbian has been taught at MGIMO for over 70 years; ➡ opportunities for further cooperation include student exchanges and joint youth projects. In his lecture, Milorad Dodik discussed the emergence of a polycentric world and on the prospects for cooperation between Russia and Republika Srpska in this new setting.

He argued that several global centres of power have already taken shape, including Russia, the United States, China and India, while the future of relations among the major powers remains difficult to predict.

Discussing Russian foreign policy, Dodik emphasised Russia’s commitment to cooperation based on respect for its partners’ sovereignty.

He also highlighted Russia’s consistent support for the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement, which established Bosnia and Herzegovina’s current constitutional framework. In his view, events in the Balkans would have unfolded differently had Russia possessed its present capabilities and influence at the time of Yugoslavia’s breakup.

🏷Dodik praised MGIMO’s contribution to educating students from Serbia and Republika Srpska.

He expressed confidence that the knowledge they acquire at the University would help them serve their people, whatever career paths they choose. Studying in Moscow, he said, offers an opportunity to understand Russian perspectives on world affairs and compare them with views in the Balkans and the United States.

🕊 Addressing the aspiring diplomats in the audience, Dodik stressed the importance of diplomacy in preserving peace and preventing armed conflict. He concluded by encouraging students to be patriotic and cherish their people. The event was also attended by Stanislav Surovtsev, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, Social Work and International Relations; Andrey Baykov, Vice-Rector for Research; and Duško Perović, Head of the Representation of Republika Srpska in Moscow. ↖ Meetings with political leaders and public figures from around the world are part of life at MGIMO. Curious about the University before you apply? Join the MGIMO International Applicants Club! 🌐 MGIMO for International Students (RUS) | MGIMO International (ENG)

Let’s get acquainted ✨ The new academic year is in full swing, and our community keeps growing! Some of you are just starting to explore your university options, some are preparing for the MGIMO International School Olympiad and entrance exams, and some already have their MGIMO student ID.

Choosing a university shapes much of what the next few years of your life will look like: who you will learn from, the people you will meet, and the opportunities you will have to discover and develop your strengths.

Today, students from more than 90 countries study at MGIMO, each with their own interests, ambitions and journey. Yet despite this diversity of languages, cultures and backgrounds, students gradually develop a shared set of values. These values are reflected in the way they approach their studies and work, interact with others and think about the path they want to pursue. MGIMO values stay with students long after graduation, shaping both their professional outlook and the way they approach life. In today’s cards, we introduce six core values shared by the MGIMO community 💙 🌐 МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS) | MGIMO International (ENG)

🌐 MGIMO Welcome Day 2026 On September 25, a grand event — a true celebration of youth and students — MGIMO Welcome Day 2026 — took place at the MGIMO stadium. The celebration was held under the overarching concept of "Unity. Russia. MGIMO." ➡️ MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov addressed the students with a welcoming speech.

He congratulated the freshmen on the start of their studies, noted that MGIMO admits students from every corner of our country and from various countries around the world, and wished them loyalty to university traditions and success in the future.

➡️ Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia, also addressed those gathered with a words of guidance.

She emphasized that MGIMO is a university known throughout the world, and that its education enables graduates to build successful professional careers in a wide range of fields.

MGIMO continues to strengthen its status as an international university: ➡️ in 2026, students from 92 countries enrolled at the university; ➡️ the number of international students exceeded 750 people. A landmark moment of Welcome Day was the ceremonial bringing in of the flags of Russia and MGIMO, the traditional roll call of schools, and the freshman oath. The official part concluded with the MGIMO anthem, whose lyrics were written by Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs. As part of the rich program, participants were able to:

🔵

Go on

a journey through the regions of Russia

— freshmen got acquainted with the tents of student organizations, learned more about our country, and assembled the "Unity of the Peoples of Russia" map;

🔵

Take part in sports competitions and witness the start of

the V MGIMO Spartakiad;

🔵

Visit

interactive zones

where everyone could find something to their liking;

🔵

Grab a bite at

the field kitchen

, which became a magnet for all the guests of the celebration;

🔵

Listen to performances by

star guests

— the musical headliner of the evening was the duo Filatov & Karas.

🇷🇺 The main partners of the event were the National Center "Russia" and the Russian Media Group media holding. Today, the freshmen were able to truly feel that MGIMO is not just a university — it is a real family. Welcome to the MGIMO family! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

⚡️️️️️️ Join 2026/2027 season of the MGIMO International Applicants Club! 👉 Planning to apply to one of Russia’s leading universities but not sure where to start? Start with the MGIMO International Applicants Club — a global community of prospective students that helps you get to know the university and feel part of MGIMO even before you enroll.

🏢🏢 Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation is one of Russia’s leading universities and a recognized center for training specialists in international relations, economics, law, journalism and other humanities.

What awaits Club members? ➡️ A first-hand look at academic life — free lectures and meetings with MGIMO professors and experts; ➡️ Practical advice on preparing for admission and entrance exams; ➡️ Support from student mentors; ➡️ The opportunity to ask questions directly about studying at MGIMO, the admissions process and student life; ➡️ A chance to connect with motivated applicants from all over the world. And this is more than just a promise — the first season of the Club brought together over 240 participants from 72 countries. Participants got to know the university, joined events, connected with each other and prepared for admission together. 🎉 And over 60 Club members have already become MGIMO students! Want to become part of the community of MGIMO’s future students? 👆 Join the Club and get to know MGIMO, its students and your future groupmates even before you enroll. Your journey to MGIMO starts now! 🤍 🔎 Learn more about MGIMO on the website. 🌐MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев

🇨🇳 Join the "MGIMO International" Chinese Social Media Team The MGIMO International Marketing Group is assembling a student editorial team. We are looking for people to help us tell about MGIMO University on Doyin and Xiaohongshu (Red) — in Chinese. We're looking for: ▶️ MGIMO students who are native Chinese speakers; ▶️ MGIMO students who are learning Chinese. 🎬 Experience with graphic design tools (Canva, Figma, Photoshop) and video editing (Reels, Shorts, CapCut, or other video editors) will be your advantage! What you'll be doing:

▪️ Creating content for the "MGIMO International" accounts on Doyin and Xiaohongshu (Red); ▪️ Recording short interviews, shooting trending videos, and covering university events; ▪️ Writing text posts in Chinese; ▪️ Telling prospective students from China about academic life at MGIMO, student activities, and university opportunities.

What awaits you in our team:

✔️ Hands-on experience as a content creator and SMM manager; ✔️ Valuable connections with international and Russian students, as well as MGIMO administration; ✔️ Language practice — you'll be constantly working with Chinese: writing posts, filming interviews, and communicating with native speakers; ✔️ Extra credit toward your academic ranking; ✔️ Participation in exciting events, creative freedom, and a friendly team!

❗️ Link to the application form here. 📌 Application deadline: October 20. Don't miss your chance to become part of the team that's building a bridge between MGIMO and China! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)