Minister Đurić visits MGIMO

18. Feb 2025.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, met today with the Rector of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Anatoly Torkunov.

Minister Đurić emphasized that, in line with the deep and historically rich ties between the Serbian and Russian peoples, the relations between the two countries remain at a very high level, as reflected in the quality of academic cooperation.

He highlighted Serbia’s pride in the fact that MGIMO has awarded an honorary doctorate to the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, which serves as yet another confirmation of the prominent level of mutual understanding between the two nations.

Minister Đurić expressed keen interest in further strengthening collaboration between the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MGIMO, particularly in enhancing the programs of Serbia’s Diplomatic Academy. This would include, among other initiatives, student and faculty exchanges, as well as the organization of thematic lectures.

According to Minister Đurić, student and faculty exchanges, along with the organization of summer schools, provide an excellent opportunity to foster closer ties not only between institutions but also between academic communities and societies.

He expressed appreciation for MGIMO’s willingness to accommodate a greater number of Serbian students within its programs and welcomed the prospect of opening a branch of this prestigious academic institution in Belgrade.

Minister Đurić also extended an invitation to Rector Torkunov to visit Belgrade to continue discussions on deepening cooperation between the two countries' educational institutions in the field of international relations.

As part of his visit to MGIMO, Minister Đurić delivered a lecture to a group of approximately 200 students, presenting Serbia’s diplomatic priorities and offering insights into the political landscape of the region.

Over the past seven decades, MGIMO has grown into one of Russia’s leading universities, offering more than 100 programs across 18 fields and providing instruction in 55 foreign languages. The Institute comprises 14 faculties and academic institutes. Currently, among students from 26 countries, MGIMO hosts 11 Serbian undergraduate students and two postgraduate students.