Participant of the first world forum of the alumni of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), manager of the Japanese KZ International firm Sergey Zarubin said he was proud that such a reputable higher educational institution he graduated from has such an alumnus as President Ilham Aliyev.
Zarubin shared his impressions on the forum with AzerTAc correspondent, saying he was surprised to receive an invitation to attend this international event.
"This invitation did not only surprise me but also made me happy since I got the chance to meet after such a long break with my classmates and professors of the institute, which was so hard to enter and where I was educated. My best memories related to my youth are connected to this institution. In addition, I am pleased that such a forum is held in Azerbaijan, Baku known all over the world. People of the Japanese city of Ito where I live know your country very well and the twinning agreement is scheduled to be signed with the Azerbaijani town of Ismayilly. Because of this, I could not lose this opportunity and readily accepted this invitation," he said.
Having thanked the initiator of the event - the Association of MGIMO alumni, Zarubin underlined the perfect organization of the forum, which covered the high geographical area.
"The forum held under the slogan Together into the Future was attended by officials, representatives of reputable international financial and business organizations from 35 countries including Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Czechia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, Cuba, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Vietnam and others. In total, the forum brought together over 500 MGIMO alumni. The Baku forum seems to be the biggest meeting of the alumni in the history of the institute. Unfortunately, I am the only one from my class who managed to make it here. Other friends were unable to join this event because of the much work to do. I can say for sure that those who followed the forum through the media will come to Baku next year. MGIMO professor, famous columnist Yury Kobaladze half in earnest, half in jest suggested not saying that the event was held very well since the next year there will be no enough places because of the quantity of applications," he said.
Zarubin noted that he used to work with Azerbaijani even though he had never been to Azerbaijan before.
"I remember very well that a special program on bringing the oil and gas engineering industry in line with US standards was organized in 2002 in Tokyo. I was directly involved in preparing materials of the program. Because I was tasked with interpretation for Azerbaijani specialists who came to Japan, I communicated with your oil specialists the whole day. They told much about Azerbaijan and Baku. Being impressed, I sought to see you country. After the forum, I stayed for a couple of more days to learn more about Baku.
As to the forum, I want to note that everything was organized perfectly. It is not only my opinion but also of other participants who I talked to. Everyone reiterated that the forum was organized very well at the state level. Beginning from current issues to the cultural program, everything was at the highest level," he added.
The participant of the forum said, "Energy security, environmental problems and education. These issues are the topics that attract the attention of the general public the most nowadays. The interesting fact about the forum is that it gathered people of different generations who studied in one university, working in various spheres currently in many countries of the world. I think Azerbaijan, which has been developing unprecedentedly in recent years, has a great importance in terms of PR. Indeed, Azerbaijan scored great successes, which it can demonstrate to the world. No doubt, the results of the forum will show themselves sooner or later.
On the other side, people who take part in the forum will make up their minds to establish ties with Azerbaijan. I personally began to think of the projects in my sphere related to Azerbaijan after returning to Japan. I currently work with the companies from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. I am sure that there will be Azerbaijan-related projects, which will become a reality in the near future because your country has great prospects. The points President Ilham Aliyev made on Azerbaijan in his speech gave us a full picture of Azerbaijan. I identified good opportunities in Azerbaijan in my sphere."
Zarubin noted that Baku reminds him to some extent of Dubai.
"Baku is the wonderful modern city, which incorporates oriental elements. The seaside boulevard, modern and ancient architecture, parks spark the desire to visit this city again. Rapidly developing Baku aroused envy in the finest sense of the word. I came to Azerbaijan from Moscow and thought that even in the capital of Russia such development can hardly be felt. The capital of every country is its image. The leadership of Azerbaijan works hard to create the worthy capital of the country. The road to the airport, the central part of the city, services sector for the residents and guests of the city is pleasing. You have very hospitable people. Baku is the city of the world where foreigners feel alright. From this point of view, I share the joy of Bakuvites. As a person currently living in Japan I realize the meaning of the modern infrastructure very well. The projects implemented in this direction in Azerbaijan are praiseworthy. I very well know that all these factors play an important role in attracting foreign investments," he pointed out.
Zarubin underlined he made sure that energy resources of Azerbaijan are directed towards improving welfare of the people, adding the funds are spent effectively.
"By diverting oil money to enriching and raising living standards of people the government seeks overall development of the country. Huge projects to form the youth of the country as the healthy, apt and educated generation are being executed. After communicating with the youth, I saw that many do not have difficulties in having a good command of foreign languages including Russian and English. The night life of the capital is different, wonderful and interesting. During my next visit to Azerbaijan, I think I will launch the good work here and have a rest. I want to thank President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for supporting such a good initiative and organizing the forum perfectly. I am proud that the Moscow State Institute of International Relations has such an alumnus as President Ilham Aliyev," he said.
 

Vugar Aghayev,
Correspondent of AzerTAc
Tokyo