President of Congo receives honorary doctorate from MGIMO

The President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sbadou-Nguesso, received the honorary doctorate degree from the State University of International Affairs (MGIMO) of the Ministry of the Russian Federation.

Sbadou-Nguesso was on official working visit from 22 to 24 May at the invitation of the Kremlin. He had working talks with President Vladimir Putin and the President of the State Duma, the lower house of legislators and the business world.

As an honored guest, Sbadou-Nguesso attended a special meeting with the university leadership and gave a doctoral lecture to students and faculty members. The Congolese delegation was made up of Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso, Congo's ambbadador to Moscow, David Madouka, and Presidential advisor Françoise Joly.

MGIMO Vice President for General Affairs, Artem Malgin, introduced the delegation, noting that "MGIMO frequently receives distinguished guests, but some visitors are truly exceptional and we welcome someone who has attended and participated in many events read by the students. in textbooks or with their speakers in clbad. "

Malgin highlighted the main stages of Sbadou-Nguesso's political career, commented on deepening relations between Russian and African countries and the Russia-Africa summit scheduled for October this year.

The decision, taken by the Academic Council of the University, to award Denis Sbadou-Nguesso the title of "Honorary Doctor of the State Institute of International Relations of Moscow" in recognition of his great contribution to the extension relations between Russia and the Republic of Congo.

Malgin offered the guest the coat and diploma of honorary doctor and invited him to give a traditional doctoral lecture.

In turn, Sbadou-Nguesso expressed gratitude for the academic award and added that MGIMO was part of a group of leading Russian educational institutions enjoying a reputation impeccable.

"It is a pleasure to announce that cooperation in the field of education between Russia and the Republic of Congo is flourishing. The education received by our students in Russia has greatly contributed to the development of our country. I hope that cooperation with MGIMO will continue, "he said.

During his conference, the President discussed diplomatic and negotiating techniques in his country and emphasized that Soviet diplomacy was a source of inspiration and progress for many African countries such as the Republic of Congo .

Sbadou-Nguesso recounted in detail the signing of the Brazzaville Protocol, the events that preceded it, the end of apartheid and its hope for peace on the African continent. The conference was followed by a long question and answer session.

Kester Kenn Klomegah frequently writes about Russia, Africa and the BRICS.