A video conference was held at the Admiral General F.M. Apraksin Caspian Institute of Maritime and River Transport to discuss key areas of international youth cooperation between the Astrakhan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The event was organized by the Astrakhan Region Youth Affairs Agency and the International Tourism Association of Iran. The discussion brought together representatives of the Astrakhan regional ministries of economic development, culture, foreign relations, and universities, as well as officials from Iran’s Ministries of Tourism and Culture, and the University of Religions and Denominations.
In their welcoming remarks, Alexander Golobokov, Head of the Youth Affairs Agency of the Astrakhan Region, and Kamal Ardakani, Director of the International Tourism Association of Iran, emphasized the special nature of the relations between the two countries and their mutual commitment to advancing cooperation in all areas, including youth policy.
Participants highlighted the development of youth and student tourism as a key topic, noting the strong potential that both Astrakhan Region and Iran hold in this sphere.
Reza Dabiri, Deputy Director for Strategic Affairs of the International Tourism Association of Iran, shared that Iran is implementing youth travel programs across 10 provinces, offering immersive experiences into the history and culture of ancient cities.
Anna Podosinnikova, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Astrakhan Region, provided examples of ongoing cultural collaboration with Iran: an exhibition of Iranian art masterpieces, photo exhibitions, Iranian film days, a screening of the Iranian documentary Sea of Kindness, and participation of Iranian artists in the international classical arts festival «Caspian Seasons».
Hamed Rafati, Director General for International Affairs at the University of Religions and Denominations, stressed the importance of regular student exchanges to strengthen interuniversity partnerships, promote deeper study of Persian and Russian, and showcase the academic potential of both countries.
Alexander Golobokov also presented the agency’s current international youth cooperation projects and invited Iranian youth to participate.
Iranian students enrolled at Astrakhan universities actively participate in events held by the International Friendship Club based at the Kosa Youth Center. Iranian representatives have repeatedly taken part as delegates at the Southern Federal District Youth Educational Forum «BeregА».
This year, «BeregА» will once again welcome international participants. The main theme will be vocational education, with participants including chefs, hotel managers, and tour guides. The goal of the international track is to develop a universal model for professional cooperation applicable throughout the Caspian region.