24 May 2019
May 24th, a solemn ceremony unfolded at the University during which the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso was awarded the diploma of the Honorary Doctor of MGIMO. The guest of honour attended a meeting with the management of the University and gave a doctoral talk to students and faculty members.
The Congolese delegation comprised the country’s Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso, the Ambassador of Congo in Moscow, David Madouka, and the Presidential Adviser Françoise Joly.
MGIMO’s Vice-Rector for General Affairs, Artem Malgin, introduced the members of the delegation, remarking that «MGIMO frequently receives renowned guests, but some visitors are truly exceptional, and today is a special day as we welcome a person who witnessed and participated in many events that students read about in textbooks or find out about with their lecturers in class». The Vice-Rector highlighted the main stages of Denis Sassou Nguesso’s political career, commented on the deepening of relations between Russian and African countries and the Russia-Africa summit scheduled for October this year.
As the Gaudeamus anthem played, the Vice-Rector announced the decision of the University’s Academic Council to award Denis Sassou Nguesso the title of «Honorary Doctor of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations» in recognition of his great contribution to the expansion of relations between Russia and the Republic of Congo. Artem Malgin gave the guest the cloak and diploma of honorary doctor and invited him to deliver a traditional doctoral lecture.
Denis Sassou Nguesso expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and at being awarded such an accolade. The title of honorary doctor of MGIMO is a great honor, he noted, as the University is part of a group of leading educational institutions with an impeccable reputation. «It is a pleasure to announce that cooperation in 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 the cooperation with MGIMO will continue».
During his lecture, the President spoke about the diplomatic and negotiation techniques in his country, and emphasized the fact that Soviet diplomacy was a source of «inspiration and progress for countries such as the Republic of Congo».
Denis Sassou Nguesso recounted in detail the signing of the Brazzaville Protocol, the events that preceded it, the end of the apartheid and shared his hope for peace on the African continent. The lecture was followed by a question and answer session.
— See the MGIMO web-site for russian version
