Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s congratulations to the teaching staff, students, postgraduate students and alumni of the School of International Relations of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s MGIMO University

I cordially congratulate you on the 80th anniversary of the School of International Relations.

The school, which is inseparably connected with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has taken an impressive path. Established during the hard years of the Great Patriotic War, it became the basis for the further development of “greater MGIMO” and its substantive and intellectual centre. The key components of such impressive success include its adherence to the best traditions of Russian universities, a powerful teaching staff, and productive interaction between the dean’s office and the students.

Justifiably, international relations specialists who graduated from your university put their skills and knowledge to good use in many diverse areas – in public administration, science and in the private sector. Particularly valuable is the fact that the school’s graduates still make up the backbone of the national diplomatic service and represent their country in the international arena with honour. 

It is gratifying that the school has not wavered from its achievements – it continues to improve the teaching process and expand the scope of research. 

I believe that the celebration of this anniversary will be a significant event in MGIMO’s busy life and will enhance the atmosphere of solidarity, continuity and creative perfectionism even further.

I wish all of you new achievements in your work and academic pursuits, health, prosperity, and all the best.

SERGEY LAVROV