On June 23, 2016, was held a meeting between the rector of TSU “G. R. Derzhavin “Vladimir Stromov and the long-standing partners of the university – founders of the International Slavic University” Gavrilo Romanovich Derzhavin “- Jordan Gjorchev and Borche Serafimovski. Both sides of the negotiations dedicated special importance: Universities are in an institutionally defined state, they implement  education programs, social projects, but the dynamics of the modern world, the need for extraction of the competitive advantages of cooperation requires its correction and diversity.

We have agreed to expand the relations – said Vladimir Stromov. – The main focus of the educational process will be concentrated on creating parallel and  educational programs by giving double diplomas. Together we will develop  projects for exchange. Where is possible, we will include professors from both universities at local events. It is essential to emphasize that it is necessary for us to use the potential of synergy of our cooperation for a sharp increase in the quality of teaching, which means prestige of the given diplomas.

Jordan Gjorchev speaks about the importance of cooperation with the Tambov State University

We are keeping up our friendship for almost 10 years, – says  Jordan Gjorchev. – I see, that fruitful teaching and scientific cooperation between professors appeared. This is the most important indicator of the effectiveness, the sincerity of our relations, the justification of the chosen strategy. In addition to integrating not only universities, science schools, but the personal destinies of people – professors and students – are intertwined, that is, we have made a way. I see all this and I feel happy. This year we have established another perspective direction. Tambov archaeologists participated in archaeological excavations on the territory of Macedonia. They met with our historians and archaeologists. I mean, their contacts will never stop.

Participants at the meeting were unanimous in understanding about the cooperation between the two universities as a serious factor of development of relations between Russia and the whole of the Balkans. In the opinion of Borce Serafimovski, the partnership in the Macedonian society is exactly perceived:

Macedonians sometimes call our University Russian Institute. It is not only a sign of respect for the Russian partner, but also emphasizes the special attitude towards Russia by the Slavic peoples in the Balkans. In the memory of the Balkan nations, the role of Russia in our liberation remains forever.

Vladimir Stromov emphasizes the situation that goes far beyond of traditional academic co-operation.

TSU is experienced in the Balkans as a plenipotentiary of Russia. I see the political momentum in our cooperation, – says Vladimir Jurejevic. – now in the Balkans Russia is represented very poorly. In the social and political space of the Balkans, Russia is almost gone. Our university obviously fills the existing gap. We see the good attitude towards us both at the level of political elites and among ordinary people. That is why I consider the partnership of TGU as a new contribution to the development of relations between Russia and the Balkans.