OREANDA-NEWS. On May 29, 2008 The international forum of foreign graduates of Belarusian universities will become traditional, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Kosinets said at the opening ceremony of the forum that was held in the Palace of Republic, reported the Official website www.government.by. 

He noted that this event is taking place in Belarus for the first time though students from more than 100 countries of the world have been studying in Belarus since 1961. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, “the citizens of foreign countries are our friends and colleagues and we are proud that Belarus gave them an opportunity to get a high-quality and modern education.” Alexander Kosinets underlined that the hospitality of the Belarusian people will remain the same.

The Deputy Prime Minister read the greeting message of President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. The message says: "The quality and availability of the Belarusian education attracts students from many countries of the world. Now more than seven thousand foreign students are getting higher education in Belarus. I express my hope that you will make a substantial contribution to the development of mutually beneficial relations between our countries”.

The members of the International Graduate Student Association initiated the organization of the international forum-meeting in Belarus for the integration of the cooperation of the foreign graduates of Belarusian universities. This initiative was considered and upheld by the Belarusian government.

Foreign citizens who studied in Belarus are determined to contribute to the development of the Belarusian economy, education, politics and culture, the Deputy Prime Minister added. Rendering educational services to foreign citizens is one of income items in many countries of the world and Belarus should increase the number of foreign students.

250 foreign graduates of Belarusian universities are taking part in the first conference of the international association. Nine committees will be set up for more effective work of the association: the committees for education, science and technologies, international activity, public relations, social issues, information and analytics, finances and investment, culture, sports and tourism and judicial.