ISLAMABAD, September 17: Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorve has pledged to increase scholarship opportunities for Pakistani youth, saying students proficient in the Russian language can gain greater access to higher education, research, training and employment opportunities in Russia.Addressing a certificate distribution ceremony for the Russian Language Course at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), the ambassador said educational cooperation could play an important role in further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Russia.
He appreciated AIOU’s initiative to promote the Russian language, saying language learning helps bring peoples, educational institutions and cultures of the two countries closer. He added that proficiency in Russian could help Pakistani youth establish stronger links with educational and research institutions in Russia.AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) said the university was contributing to Pakistan-Russia relations through the promotion of Russian language and culture. He congratulated the students who completed the course and said they could serve as educational and cultural ambassadors between the two countries.He said AIOU was providing students opportunities to learn international languages and connect with global education, research and employment opportunities.
Besides Russian, the university also offers courses in Turkish and Japanese.Registrar Raja Umer Younis said the ceremony marked the completion of the ninth and tenth batches of the three-month Russian language course, while classes for the eleventh and twelfth batches would commence soon.Director International Collaboration and Exchange Dr. Zahid Majeed said AIOU was actively promoting cooperation with Russian educational institutions as well as Russian language, literature and culture.
He said several graduates of the Russian Language Centre had secured Russian scholarships last year, while efforts were underway to create more opportunities for Pakistani students.The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates among students who successfully completed the Russian language course.
