Atyrau and Astrakhan: Strengthening International Cooperation

03.11.2025 230

The XXVII General Assembly of the Association of Universities and Scientific Centers of the Caspian Littoral States took place at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University. The forum, dedicated to the integration of science and education in the study of the Caspian ecosystem, gathered representatives of state bodies, educational institutions, and public organizations from five countries: Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan.

During the opening ceremony, the Rector of Astrakhan State Technical University (ASTU), Alexander Nevalenny, handed over the powers of the Association's President to the Rector of the host university, Salamat Idrissov. The new head of the association emphasized the symbolism of holding the assembly in Atyrau — a region where the historical traditions, cultural heritage, and modern trends of the Caspian are closely interconnected.

The meeting participants discussed a wide range of issues concerning the protection of the Caspian Sea ecosystem and presented joint educational and scientific initiatives. Specifically, the Rector of Astrakhan State University named after V.N. Tatishchev (ASU), Igor Alekseev, spoke about the implementation of projects with foreign partners, including the "Pre-University" program for preparing prospective students.

ASTU Rector Alexander Nevalenny proposed that Association members participate in large-scale environmental studies of the region's water resources, which the Astrakhan technical university coordinates.

The work of the assembly resulted in the conclusion of several partnership agreements:

  • ASU named after V.N. Tatishchev and Atyrau University agreed on the creation of a joint Master's program in Psychology and Social Pedagogy.

  • ASTU and the Caspian Institute of Sea and River Transport signed Memorandums of Cooperation with the Iranian University of Guilan.

The next meeting of the Association participants is scheduled for 2026 and will take place at the University of Guilan in Iran.