An opening ceremony of the MGIMO Mid-East week took place 12 May 2015. The leading orientalists are taking part in the event.
The conference was opened by the Rector of MGIMO Anatoliy Torkunov. He declared that the Mid-East week was the first in the series of events devoted to the 200-year anniversary of Lazarev institute of oriental languages. As A. Torkunov has mentioned that there is no group of people untouched by the region’s issues - it attracts politicians, economists and businessmen as well. According to the Rector this part of the world is seeing the epoch of transformations now. The “Arab Spring” that started four years ago has not only created expectations for the positive change, but has also revealed a conflict potential of the region that has been accumulating for a long period. The conflicts that are happening in their turn increase the level of disintegration, which can lead to the deterioration of the international security problems and to the change of world trade and energy flows. The strengthening of the radical Islamist forces may have a negative impact on the situation in some Russian regions. A. Torkunov believes that a balanced approach should be maintained in the conditions of the growing instability on the Middle East and active involvement is required on several directions – Russia should contribute to the strengthening of the regional security and perform as a mediator in the regional conflict resolution.
Mr. Torkunov has also highlighted the importance of the anniversary events for Soviet and Russian orientalism – the experts have already been studying the Middle Eastern issues for several centuries. The Rector mentioned a rich collection of Arabic books in the library of MGIMO university. Manuscripts of 13-15 century are already available on MGIMO portal in the electronic versions, and a book about MGIMO orientalism and editions left from Lazarev institute is to be published soon.
In his speech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs has emphasized the importance of celebration of the 200 year anniversary of Lazarev institute for Russian diplomacy: “Already then we had a professional school of orientalism”. Moreover, he has noted that the East in general and Middle East in particular always had an important place in Russian history. M. Bogdanov has noted a consistent and principal character of Russia’s policy on the Middle East. The sharp intrapolitical conflicts that emerged in the region during the last years have revealed this character of Russian policy. The representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pointed out that Russia was always for the peaceful conflict resolution without the military means.
The event was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iraqi republic S. Muhsin, the Ambassador of Egypt M. Al-Badri and the Ambassador of Syrian republic R.Haddad.
Many actual international issues were covered during the session and all the speakers have emphasized the importance of fruitful and close cooperation between Russia and regions of the Middle East. “Islam should not be set equal to the terrorism! It is a grave mistake” – declared the Egyptian Ambassador during his speech.
Moreover, the representative of the Council of Muftis of Russia was among the guest of the event and he has noted that religion has gained the same importance as such aspects of public life like business and politic.
In the conclusion the Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Association of Russian diplomats, Advisor to the Deputy Chairman of The Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation A. Baklanov has stated that Russian School of arabists is recognized internationally and thanks to the efforts of MGIMO management team it still holds the leading positions in the scientific studies. Moreover, Baklanov has emphasized the importance of the Arab countries for Russia, both in economic and political spheres.
The Mid-East Week will last till 15 May. Round tables with the participation of the leading Russian experts-orientalists, Ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic missions, and also presentations of books and film screenings are planned within the framework of the event. An opening of paintings and photo expositions took place in the atrium of the new building of MGIMO.
The Mid-East week is organized by IMESClub, MGIMO and the Institute of Oriental Studies of Russian Academy of Sciences with the support of MGIMO Foundation of development and MGIMO Alumni Association. Interprombbank was an official partner of the week.
