BARNAUL, May 22. /Dunyo IA/. Consul General of Uzbekistan in Novosibirsk Aslam Akbarov held a meeting with the rectors of higher educational institutions of the Altai Krai, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The negotiations were attended by the heads of Altai State University, Altai State Pedagogical University, Altai State Technical University, Altai State Medical University and Altai State Agricultural University.

Issues regarding the studying process of our students at these universities, as well as the challenges they face, were discussed. It should be noted that today, more than 320 of our students are studying in various fields and specialties across all higher education institutions in Barnaul.

The university rectors specifically highlighted the interest of Altai higher education institutions in increasing the number of students from Uzbekistan, particularly in technical fields, medicine, biotechnology and the agricultural sector.

In particular, Sergey Bocharov, Rector of Altai State University, noted that 190 Uzbek students and 20 master's students are currently studying at his university. The institution has established close partnership ties with such higher educational institutions of Uzbekistan as the National University of Uzbekistan, Samarkand and Bukhara State Universities, and Urgench Innovation University. A representative center of Altai State University is already operating on the basis of the Samarkand university, and joint academic mobility programs for students and staff are being developed in several areas at once with the Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan. Furthermore, within the framework of the educational cooperation concept, an agreement was reached on developing joint educational programs and conducting scientific research on a number of projects in the fields of lexicology and linguistics.

According to the Rector, taking into account the current rapid development of Uzbekistan in all spheres, Altai State University is interested in initiating discussions on opening a branch of Altai State University in Nukus.

In turn, the rectors of Altai State Agricultural University and Altai State Technical University noted the growing need not only to increase the number of full-time Uzbek students but also master's degree students.

In particular, the Uzbek side proposed to organize a broader educational process by conducting joint lectures on the basis of the Tashkent State Agrarian University and the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, in such areas as hydrology and hydrogeology, operation of hydro-reclamation systems, irrigation and reclamation, soil science and agriculture, organization and management of greenhouse farming, agrobiotechnology, agrochemistry and agro-soil science, and veterinary medicine.

A separate point of the meeting was the discussion of ensuring that Uzbek students at Barnaul universities are provided with all necessary migration documents. It was noted that to date, no complaints or appeals have been received from Uzbek students studying in Barnaul regarding the violation of their rights and interests.

The Consul General of Uzbekistan also held an extensive meeting with Uzbek students studying at the leading higher educational institutions of the Altai Krai capital.

During the ongoing dialogue, our compatriots shared insights about their studies, practical training, as well as the housing and living conditions provided for them. It was particularly emphasized that Uzbek students are under the reliable protection of the state, and the Consulate General stands ready to continue providing all necessary assistance and support in resolving any issues during their studies at the universities of the Altai Krai.

The students' requests were heard, including those regarding the simplification of registration procedures at internal affairs departments, the provision of good and comfortable living conditions in dormitories, as well as the opportunity to undergo summer internships directly related to their specialization.

Notably, practically all of our students expressed their desire to seek employment in Uzbekistan in their acquired profession after completing their studies at the Barnaul universities.

During the dialogue, several problems for which the students had sought assistance from the Consul General were resolved. In particular, issues regarding the admission of certain students to summer exams and the retaking of core subjects were settled. Additionally, universities immediately dispatched petitions to Barnaul's local internal affairs departments to facilitate temporary registration and residency permits for our students during their studies. Furthermore, an opportunity was arranged for a student majoring in International Relations to undergo an internship directly at the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Novosibirsk.

Following the meeting, and with the active cooperation of our compatriots, a permanent line of communication was established and is being maintained with the Consulate General. As part of this interaction, dedicated groups were also created on the “VKontakte” social network and the “Telegram” messenger.