Delegates from the Latin American country visited the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies on November 25th.

Counselor for Energy and Policy of the Embassy of Venezuela Joglis Jesus Martinez Nunez said during the meeting, “We are very concerned about professional qualifications of Venezuelan petroleum industry employees and do our best to alleviate the problem”.

The guests confirmed that Russia is the main strategic partner in this regard. Venezuelan students have been studying in the best Russian universities for some time now.

Counselor for Education of the Embassy Enrique Jose Vivas Gonzalez said, “Our guys are all around Russia – in Moscow, Tyumen, Ufa, and Novosibirsk. I sincerely hope that you will soon also educate our prospective oilers. We have heard plenty about KFU’s traditions and strong research teams. We will be honored to have you contribute to the development of Venezuelan oil industry”.

Kazan University is glad to concur – Venezuela is known for its richest reserves of heavy oils. KFU is one of the world leaders in that very area. In particular, a project concerning this issue is already in the works with Colombian colleagues.

Vice-Rector for Research Danis Nurgaliev responded, «It was several days ago that we returned from Latin America. We participated in a heavy oils forum in Peru, signed a number of petroleum-related contracts with Colombian universities. We will implement our breakthrough underground refining project with Ecopetrol. We have thought that it would be splendid to have the same links with Venezuela. Now that you have arrived, it’s a sign that we will definitely succeed».

Embassy representatives confirmed that PDVSA – the national oil company – may be interested in the KFU’s research but also emphasized that education is still the first priority. Director of the Center for Advanced Training of IGPT Ildus Chukmarov showed the options that KFU can offer, and the visitors expressed hope to dispatch the first student group early next year.