Kalashnikov ISTU became the first Russian partner of Mali university

On October 28, in the frameworks of III Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow, Kalashnikov Izhevsk State Technical University and Institute of Political Science and International Relations (ISPRIC, Mali) signed the cooperation agreement with the support of Center for Public Diplomacy.

The agreement became another important step in establishing direct contacts between Russia and Mali. The parties agreed to focus attention on collaboration in engineering education. Both universities are also interested in developing joint study programs, including double degree ones.

— This is our first agreement with a Russian university. We see great perspectives in our cooperation with Kalashnikov ISTU, first of all, in engineering education. At the same time, we are ready to cover other areas of mutual interest. Each party has its strong competencies, and, having combined them, we will be able to achieve much more, stated the head of ISPRIC Polytechnic Center in Mali and ISPRIC Gambian branch Ali Kane.

During the meeting it was pointed out that the Udmurt Republic is a large industrial region and Kalashnikov ISTU possesses the competencies in engineering and information technologies. These areas can serve as the basis for joint educational projects with Malian partners.

— I am sure we have a high potential for mutually beneficial collaboration. We are interested in working out joint study programs, including double degree ones. It’s critically important for us to start working on certain joint projects right after signing the agreement, pointed out Acting Rector of Kalashnikov ISTU Mikhail Pisarev.

Center for Public Diplomacy initiated the direct contacts between two universities and was actively involved in the meeting arrangement. Kalashnikov ISTU is a member of Consortium of Russian Universities for the Development of Cooperation with African Countries established under the initiative of Center for Public Diplomacy and Novosibirsk State University to develop cooperation in education in Africa. The Consortium also facilitates direct partner relations between Russian and African universities. Signing the agreement with ISPRIC is a practical result of this work being the foundation for implementing joint educational projects.

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Last Updated on Thursday, 29 October 2026 14:46