The meeting focused on the current state of expert cooperation and opportunities to expand it, as well as areas for joint research and educational activities concerning Central Asia.

Javlon Vakhabov emphasised the importance of advancing dialogue between the two institutes through concrete, practical initiatives that deepen their partnership. Regular bilateral exchanges between experts help develop practical approaches to cooperation and shape a shared research agenda on pressing issues in bilateral relations and regional development.

Maxim Suchkov expressed interest in further developing contacts with Central Asian think tanks, particularly IICA. He identified joint academic and analytical publications, expert events and webinars, and cooperation between young researchers as possible areas of collaboration.

The two sides reaffirmed their readiness to expand the partnership and continue expert exchanges.

The Institute for International Studies is MGIMO’s leading research and policy analysis unit and one of Russia’s key think tanks on foreign policy and global security.

IICA and MGIMO signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on 15 July 2021.