The international conference "RUSSIA AND APRICAN COUNTRIES: DIALOGUE OF CULTURES (TRADITIONS AND MODERNITY)" dedicated to the relationship between Russia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region was held at Baikal State University.

For eleven years, the International Department of BSU has organized the conference. In 2024 students attended the conference from Irkutsk universities: ISU, International Institute of Economics and Linguistics, many regions of Russia and four foreign countries - China, Mongolia, Togo and Chile. The participants were divided into five sections. The reports of the participants reflected the topics of media communications, problems and prospects of international education, intercultural relations between Russia and China.

The conference was opened by Oleg Gribunov, BSU First Vice-Rector - Vice-Rector for scientific work, Mikhail Kuz’min, Vice-Rector for International Relations, and Anna Litovkina, Dean of the International Department.

"Our conference is a platform where students discuss strategically important issues. We are very glad that the student scientific society - young scientists pay attention to such important issues on international relations", - said the first Vice-Rector - Vice-Rector for scientific work of BSU Oleg Gribunov.

Vice-Rector for International Relations of BSU International Relation Mikhail Kuz’min in his speech noted that intercultural communication in the current rapidly changing world environment is of particular importance, as understanding the peculiarities of another country's culture is the basis for successful diplomatic interaction. Especially important is that knowing languages, cultures and philosophies of other nations allows building mutually beneficial friendly relations at the interpersonal, interregional and interstate levels.

The plenary session included a series of reports on topical topics concerning educational cooperation between Russia and China after the pandemic, the international image of the two countries, and the educational discourse of local and foreign bloggers.