On 27 August, as part of his official visit to Kamchatka Krai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi visited Kamchatka State Technical University (KamchatGTU).

Rector Sergey Levkov welcomed the Ambassador and led a tour of the university's key laboratories. At the fisheries training simulator, Alexander Bonk, Head of the Department of Aquatic Bioresources, Fisheries and Aquaculture, demonstrated the equipment; Mr. Tirmizi took the helm himself.

At the Ecology and Food Resources Laboratory, Anna Klimova, Head of the Research and Education Centre for Ecology and Environmental Management, presented the university's work in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

The Ambassador also viewed the university's food technology research, including a high-protein noodle made from Alaska pollock, developed at the request of Russia's Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo). The product contains animal protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, collagen and selenium, and has no known equivalent worldwide. KamchatGTU is working to extend its shelf life and preparing a patent application. Mr. Tirmizi also met with students and postgraduate researchers in these fields.

Cooperation with Pakistan

Rector Levkov and Ambassador Tirmizi discussed cooperation between KamchatGTU and Pakistani universities, including opportunities for Pakistani students to study at KamchatGTU. Both sides noted interest in academic exchange, student mobility and joint research in fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity, environmental protection and food technology.

The visit formed part of the Ambassador’s official programme in Kamchatka Krai, including a visit to the Kronotsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve, making Ambassador Tirmizi the first foreign ambassador to visit the reserve. Part of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reserve is renowned for its unique landscapes, rich biodiversity and large brown bear population.