RAFU and SPbGLTU strengthen ties with Guinea at graduates recognition ceremony

On July 27, 2026, the Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University (SPbGLTU) hosted the solemn Graduates Recognition and Skills Enhancement Ceremony for graduates from the Republic of Guinea, organized by the Association of Guinean University Graduates in Russia (AEDGFR). The event, held under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Guinea, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, gathered over a hundred participants — graduates and students from Russian universities in Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and other cities. Among the distinguished guests and participants of the ceremony was the Project Office of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU).

The official part was opened by Vice-Rector for Research and International Activities of SPbGLTU A. A. Dobrovolsky and Director of the International Center for Business and Education S. V. Tereshchenko, who in their speeches emphasized the strategic importance of training African personnel for the economic development of partner countries and deepening humanitarian dialogue. Welcoming addresses were delivered by the head of the Student Council of Saint Petersburg, the President of the Federal Bureau, the President of the Guinean Community in Russia, as well as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guinea to the Russian Federation, who noted the high level of event organization and thanked all participants for their contribution to strengthening friendly ties. Additionally, participants were greeted by the Cultural Advisor of the Embassy of Guinea in the Russian Federation, Alsény Diallo, who emphasized the importance of preserving cultural ties between generations of graduates.

The ceremony program included not only official speeches but also a rich cultural and educational segment. For the guests, a cultural exhibition was organized, introducing participants to the traditions and crafts of Guinea, a general knowledge quiz that sparked lively interest among students. According to the organizers, these activities contribute not only to professional but also to socio-cultural integration of international students into the Russian educational space and foster lasting interpersonal connections between graduates of different years.

The central event of the business program was a large panel discussion, which featured key leaders of the Guinean diaspora and the academic community: President of the Guinean Community in Russia M. Moussa KOULIBALY, President of the Guinean Community of Saint Petersburg M. MOUSTAPHA BARRY, President of the Association of Guinean Students and Postgraduates in the Russian Federation M. ANTOINE LAMAH, postgraduate student and President of the Association of African Students and Postgraduates of RUDN M. Aboubacar Sidy DIALLO, Secretary General of the Guinean Community Bureau M. ABDOULAYE MARIAMA SYLLA, as well as postgraduate student and research fellow M. ABDOUL KADER CAMARA. During the discussion, issues of graduate employment, development of joint research projects, and the role of the diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and Guinea were addressed.

The ceremony concluded with the solemn presentation of letters of gratitude and certificates to distinguished graduates, as well as words of appreciation to the organizers and guests.

As part of the delegationʼs visit, bilateral negotiations were held, in which RAFU Project Office specialist Alexandra Le Gall participated. During the negotiations with the participation of Director of the International Center for Business and Education S. V. Tereshchenko, staff of the Department of International Projects, Cultural Advisor of Guinea Alsény Diallo, and Assistant to the Honorary Consul in Saint Petersburg Sessé Barthélémy, prospects for expanding academic mobility and joint initiatives in the field of higher education were discussed. As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached to increase the number of students from the Republic of Guinea enrolling in SPbGLTU and other Russian universities, starting from the 2027 admissions campaign, and negotiations were initiated on the preparation of an official partnership agreement with Gamal Abdel Nasser State University (Conakry). The RAFU Project Office confirmed its readiness to provide advisory support in the implementation of these initiatives. Furthermore, RAFU invited the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser State University, as well as other higher education institutions of Guinea, to consider joining the consortium of the Russian-African Network University, as currently there are no Guinean universities in RAFU, and their accession would open new prospects for academic exchanges, joint research, and personnel training.

RAFU will continue its activities in expanding academic mobility, supporting international graduates, and strengthening scientific and educational ties between Russia and African states. To date, RAFU unites over 100 universities from all federal districts of Russia and over 70 universities from 17 African countries. The invitation to leading Guinean universities to participate in the consortium will be an important step in the development of network interaction and the expansion of partnership geography on the African continent.