Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Alexander Avdeev visits MSLU

On October 10, 2023, MSLU students and teachers welcomed Alexander Avdeev, a Soviet and Russian politician, diplomat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the French Republic (2002-2008), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Vatican and Representative of the Russian Federation to Sovereign Order of Malta (2013-2023).

Our guest dwelled on his experience in Vatican, about the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Holy See. He emphasized that “the uniqueness of Russia is the five-hundred-year experience of Christians and Muslims living together. This is an experience that is of great interest to the Catholic Church.”

There is more in common between the views of Russia and Vatican than might be noticed at first glance. Mr Avdeev said that “Vatican is interested in depoliticizing religion, which coincides with the position of our side.”

We were pleased to hear from the guest that in his professional activities, at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at the United Nations, to name a few, he often meets graduates of our university and always notes their high professionalism.

At the end of the meeting, our students asked the guest questions.