Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) commemorated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Russian Federation with the inauguration of the Russian Corner at the UTB Library, made possible through the generous donation of 49 books by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Brunei Darussalam.
The inauguration marked a meaningful occasion in the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries, celebrating three and a half decades of diplomatic ties founded upon mutual respect, friendship and a shared commitment to strengthening understanding and cooperation.
The ceremony was graced by His Excellency Mr Mikhail Baranov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam, and Yang Mulia Associate Professor Pengiran Dr Mohamad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Vice-Chancellor of UTB, and was attended by representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, UTB Principal Officers, staff and invited guests.
The programme featured welcoming remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, remarks by His Excellency the Ambassador, the official handover of the donated collection, and the ceremonial inauguration of the Russian Corner.
The generous contribution of books represented an important gesture of friendship and cultural exchange, while the establishment of the Russian Corner provided the UTB community with a dedicated avenue to learn about the Russian Federation and its rich historical and cultural heritage. The collection included resources relating to history, culture, literature and society, providing students, academics and researchers with opportunities to broaden their perspectives and deepen their appreciation of Russia.
The Russian Corner further served as a space for knowledge-sharing, cultural discovery and people-to-people understanding, reflecting the important role of education and cultural exchange in bringing communities and nations closer together.
The occasion also reflected the enduring value of educational and cultural diplomacy in complementing bilateral relations, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Brunei Darussalam and the Russian Federation.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a memento from UTB Library to the Embassy of the Russian Federation, followed by a commemorative photo session.
The inauguration of the Russian Corner thus served not only as a celebration of 35 years of diplomatic relations, but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, with education and cultural understanding continuing to serve as important bridges between their peoples.
