Muscat: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) today received Vittoria Idrisova, Rector of the Russian Foreign Trade Academy, as part of her official visit to the Sultanate of Oman to discuss joint academic and scientific cooperation. HH Sayyeda Dr. Muna bint Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation, welcomed the guest and her accompanying delegation, together with several university officials. HH Sayyeda Muna stressed the importance of strengthening international partnerships to exchange expertise and develop academic programmes.

According to Oman News Agency, the two sides reviewed cooperation in education, training, academic and cultural exchange, and explored collaborative opportunities in negotiation and international trade. During the visit, the Russian guest noted the growing interest in learning Arabic in Russia, alongside other languages, and emphasised the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation for mutual benefit.

Dr. Al Mukhtar bin Saif Al Abri, Dean of the College of Economics and Political Sciences, presented an overview of the college's undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. He highlighted that international trade is a core component of several specialisations, and that the college focuses on developing students' negotiation and other professional skills. Both sides agreed to continue coordination to explore future cooperation, including student and academic exchange programmes and joint scientific events.

Founded in Moscow in 1931, the Russian Foreign Trade Academy is one of the most prominent educational institutions under the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. It specialises in training experts in international economics, law and management, drawing on over 90 years of experience in supporting foreign economic activity.