Tomsk gets a vote of confidence from Thailand

Tomsk hosted the summit of the Asian Network of Major Cities (ANMC21), giving an invaluable chance to showcase itself as a scientific and educational centre. 

Among attendees was Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe.

Tomsk also welcomed a high-level delegation from the Moscow embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand, led by Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Ambassador, Ms Nitaya Jessadachatr, who warmly praised the educational opportunities in this Siberian city, which is currently actively promoting itself as an educational hub for Asian countries.

'Thailand is interested in cooperation with TPU,' she said after a visit to Tomsk Polytechnic University. Your high school is one of the best in your country, enters the top 15 leading universities in Russia and Thailand - is the gateway to Asia.'

Similarly after seeing Tomsk State University, she said: 'Many young people from Thailand are going for higher education in the west of Russia. 

'The reason for this - the lack of information about educational programmes for Thai students in other regions of Russia.

'Therefore, the main mission of our visit to Tomsk - to find out what learning opportunities are available in Tomsk. 

'I can say that we are happy to have discovered the Tomsk, its rich scientific and educational potential. And happy to tell about Tomsk universities to our fellow citizens - potential students.'

The summit brought representatives of major Asian cities, but it is clear that education chiefs in Tomsk are especially keen on forging closer links with Thailand, the capital of which - Bangkok - is also one of the Asian Network of Major Cities.

'This visit is very important for us,' said the director of the International Affairs Office of TSU, Michael Mochalov. 

He saw the meeting as 'helpful for the development of scientific and educational ties' and to 'attract students from Thailand'.

ANMC21 is an international network of major Asian cities and the capitals of Asian states. 

The Network was established in 2001 for the development of multilateral cooperation on industrial development and protection of the environment. 

Summits, which are attended by the heads of member-cities, are held on an annual basis. The ANMC21 comprises Tomsk, Bangkok, New Delhi, Hanoi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, the Manila agglomeration, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Ulan Bator, and Yangon.