St Petersburg University builds bridges between Russia and Yemen
An exhibition of paintings by Yemeni artists dedicated to the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries has opened at St Petersburg University. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Yemen to the Russian Federation and the Rector of the University of Aden attended the official ceremony.
The exhibition in the famous corridor of the building of the Twelve Colleges was opened by the Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev. Addressing the guests with a welcoming word, he drew attention to the fact that the artists of almost all the paintings had studied in Soviet universities.
Today is a special day in the life of both Russians and Yemenis. 90 years ago, an agreement on cooperation between our countries was signed — and it was to this date that the opening of the exhibition was timed. I am glad that we have the opportunity to admire these pictures, and I am sure that everyone who will look at them will see something close and familiar, because their artists are our friends.
Nikolai Kropachev, Rector of St Petersburg University
Ahmed Salem Al-Wahishi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Yemen to the Russian Federation said that Yemen was among the first countries to recognise the Soviet Union and establish relations with the young state. The diplomat said that following a meeting with the Rector of St Petersburg University, he accepted an invitation to participate in the work of the council of a degree programme in Arabic, which is planned to open at St Petersburg University. «Representatives of the Aden School of Arabic Studies and their Russian colleagues will be able to cooperate in the new programme. As a graduate of the University of Aden, who spent several years within its walls as a lecturer, I am happy that we have the opportunity to develop our contacts,» said Mr. Ahmed Salem Al-Wahishi.
After the opening of the exhibition, a ceremony was held to sign an agreement between St Petersburg and Aden universities. The Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev noted that the agreement will serve as a starting point for extensive interaction not only in the areas of the Arabic language and culture, but also in various research fields.
During the meeting, the Rector of St Petersburg University and the representatives of the Yemeni delegation discussed the possibility of teaching Russian at the University of Aden. Nikolay Kropachev suggested opening a certification testing centre in the Russian language at a partner university. If students show interest in passing exams, then relevant training courses can be considered.