Rossiya-24 and Rossiya-1 TV channels broadcasted interview with President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov

Russia's Rossiya-24 and Rossiya-1 TV channels broadcasted television shows on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Rector of Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) Anatoly Torkunov. The shows feature interviews with the heads of state, public and political figures, diplomats and other graduates of Moscow State Institute of International Relations about the rector of the prestigious educational institution. The program also features an interview with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who is also a graduate of Moscow State Institute of International Relations.

President Ilham Aliyev: He led MGIMO during the most difficult period in the life of our university, after the so-called ”perestroyka”. It was under his leadership that MGIMO quickly restored its authority and became one of the world's leading universities. I know that Anatoly Vasilyevich has invested a lot of effort, health and attention into making us all feel proud to be MGIMO graduates. In my opinion, every graduate of MGIMO should be grateful to Anatoly Vasilyevich for what he has done for our university and what he continues to do today.

When we held the First Alumni Forum, I noted that it was probably natural that the forum was being held in Azerbaijan. This was the case due to the alphabetical order of both our country's name and my own last name. Yet, I also said that this was perhaps because I am still the only MGIMO graduate to be a president and hoped to see more such people. I am pleased that this is already happening. We are already two. I am sure this is just a beginning. There will be many of us. I am sure that the graduates of our alma mater, as they say, the students of Anatoly Vasilyevich, will take a worthy place in the life of our countries, because MGIMO unites practically the entire world. I am sure that more MGIMO graduates will become presidents in the future. I sincerely congratulate Anatoly Vasilyevich again and wish him all the best. Keep up the good work!