UNITAR Organizes a One-Week Study-Visit in Moscow on Russian Foreign Policy and Mechanisms of Decision-Making for 25 diplomats From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
3-7 October 2016. Moscow, Russian Federation - UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme organized a one-week study-visit in Moscow on Russian Foreign Policy and Mechanisms of Decision-Making for 25 diplomats from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This study-visit is part of a broader partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since 2005, UNITAR organizes each year a series of training activities and study-visits for diplomats from Saudi Arabia, providing them with a unique learning environment and strengthening their knowledge and skills in diplomacy and international affairs.
In this context, the first study-visit in 2016 took place in Moscow, Russia. Diplomats from Saudi Arabia had the opportunity to discuss major topics of Russian foreign policy, mechanisms of decision-making in Russia and to analyse the role of the Russian Federation in the international system. They were also briefed on Russian history and foreign policy strategies with key regions such as the Middle East, Central Asia, China and the US.
As part of the programme, a high-level meeting with Mr. Mikhail Leonidovich Bogdanov, Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, took place at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This meeting was an opportunity to further discuss Russian foreign policy and to address current challenges and opportunities for both countries.
By the end of the study-visit, Saudi Arabian diplomats were able to discuss major topics of Russian foreign and security policies, including regional priorities and their historic and geographic origins; analyse the role of the Russian Federation in international politics; identify commonalities and differences between Saudi Arabian and Russian approaches to foreign policy; analyse Russian approaches toward energy production and export; and identify the origins of Russian policies in the Middle East and the impact of Russia’s Muslim community.
The next two study-visits in 2016 will take place in London and New York City. The first one will focus on communication skills and media relations, while the second one will look at the structure of the United Nations system and its different organs based at the United Nations Headquarters.
For more information about customized training activities of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme, please contact Philippe Aubert at philippe.aubert@unitar.org.