Topics of discussion included issues of developing Ukrainian studies in Russia and Russian studies in Ukraine, as well as implementing joint research and socio-cultural projects, including issuing investigative studies and textbooks in history.
Sergei Naryshkin noted the significance of the Ukrainian Studies in Russia: Status and Prospects roundtable at the Russian State University for the Humanities, which took place the previous day. Mr Naryshkin expressed his belief on the importance of having constructive dialogue between historians, university representatives, and NGOs. He stated that this dialogue plays an increasingly significant role in the development of humanitarian cooperation and has a positive influence on broad layers of citizens in Russia and Ukraine.
The meeting also addressed the publication of the book Essays on the History of Ukraine, written by a group of Ukrainian scholars headed by the member of Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences Petr Tolochko, published with support from the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Centre Foundation. Mr Naryshkin emphasised that a thorough scientific study is a significant input into efforts to write an objective, scientifically conscientious, and politically non-partisan joint history of Russia and Ukraine. “This book presents many pages of our history, including some tragic moments. It consolidates the rich, positive experience of Russian-Ukrainian cooperation, and reveals its enormous potential for the future of our nations,” Mr Naryshkin said.