The senators participated in a roundtable discussion dedicated to the development of humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
As part of the 8th Interparliamentary Forum in Dushanbe, Russia — Tajikistan: Potential for Interregional Cooperation, a roundtable discussion was held on the topic “Science, Education, and Humanitarian Aspects of Cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia.” The event was chaired by Head of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education, and Culture Lilia Gumerova, and Chair of the Committee of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan on Social Issues, Healthcare, Science, Education, Culture, Youth, and Women’s Policy, Mahmadshoh Gulzoda. Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Yelena Perminova also participated in the discussion.
Discussing the development of humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan, Lilia Gumerova highlighted inter-university collaboration in joint educational programmes, scientific research, and participation in exhibitions. “In these areas, 26 Russian universities are cooperating with 19 companies, universities, and other organisations from Tajikistan,” she said.
The senator noted that for the 2023/2024 academic year, 902 Government-funded spots were allocated for students from the Republic of Tajikistan under a special quota from the Government of the Russian Federation. For the 2024/25 academic year, 1,000 spots have been allocated.
In Tajikistan’s Constitution, the Russian language is designated as the language of interethnic communication, Lilia Gumerova noted. “The Republic of Tajikistan pays great attention to teaching the Russian language which is confirmed by five schools that opened in 2022 and provide instruction in Russian under Russian standards.”
Lilia Gumerova pointed to the successful implementation of the international humanitarian project, Russian Teacher Abroad, in Tajikistan since 2017. The project was initiated by Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko. “Methodological support for our teachers has been strengthened. The Altai State Pedagogical University and the V.G. Korolenko Glazov State Pedagogical Institute have developed the necessary recommendations and programmes that allow the best Russian practices to be adapted for Tajik schools.”
The participants discussed improving the quality of Russian language and literature teaching, developing joint educational programmes in pedagogy, training medical personnel, and expanding scientific cooperation. In the context of CIS Volunteerism Year, they also exchanged best practices aimed at enhancing the prestige and importance of volunteer activities.
“In the face of changes in healthcare needs, improving the medical personnel training system is the key,” Yelena Perminova said. She noted that in June the senators introduced a draft law aimed at improving the quality of medical training. “We propose introducing licensing for additional professional training and banning purely online training.” It is crucial to not only train professional medical doctors, but also to retain them in the public healthcare system, the senator stressed. She suggested stepping up cooperation and experience exchange with the Tajik colleagues on matters of medical personnel training.
The roundtable discussion was attended by Russian and Tajik parliamentarians, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Andrei Korneyev, Deputy Minister of Healthcare of the Russian Federation Tatyana Semyonova, officials from relevant ministries from Tajikistan, and representatives of Russian and Tajik regions, as well as experts from both countries.