Tiraspol, 27 December. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. The rector of Pridnestrovian State University (PSU), Stepan Beril, was awarded Russia's high state decoration — Pushkin Medal — "for strengthening the friendship and cooperation between among nations, prolific activities on rapprochement and mutual enrichment of the cultures of nations and ethnic groups."
The medal was handed by the Russian ambassador to Moldova Farit Mukhametshin in the solemn atmosphere in the presence of Pridnestrovian President Vadim Krasnoselsky, PSU teachers and students.
"The university has become a bright centre of education. This is a huge merit of the university's rector, Mr Beril, and the whole faculty. The university works successfully in Russia's educational space, implementing educational programmes on the basis of the second and third generation standards," said Mukhametshin.
According to the ambassador, more than 75 university teachers are studying at post-graduate courses in Russia. Based on the agreement with the Russian Academy of Sciences, over 60 doctoral scholarships have been allocated for PSU research fellows. Over 120 teachers and students have taken part in scientific events in Moscow only this year.
Characterising the international contacts of the university, Mukhametshin underscored that throughout 25 years of its history PSU had signed 160 cooperation agreements with universities, academies and research centres of 18 countries, 80% of which account for Russia.
"Russia is interested in filling Pridnestrovie's educational space with high-quality programmes, teaching methods and scientific developments. As we know, this is in your interests," underscored the diplomat.
In turn, Stepan Beril thanked the Russian president for his appreciation of the activities of PSU and noted that the Pridnestrovian people had always felt involvement in everything that happens in great Russia.
"Pridnestrovie carefully preserves not only Russian language and traditions of Russian culture, but also everything that great Russia has created during its existence as a state. Along with knowledge, we do not only share our experience, our philosophy, life outlook but also bring up a new generation in these significant Russian traditions," noted Beril.
It should be noted that 21 people were awarded the Pushkin Medal by the October presidential decree. Among them are cultural workers, scientists and artists from France, Pakistan, Great Britain, Hungary, Finland, Kazakhstan, China, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Vietnam, Armenia, Netherlands, Columbia, Macedonia, Lithuania, Germany and Bulgaria and Pridnestrovie.
