RUDN University alumni open the Russian-Lebanese Friendship Park in Lebanon
The idea to create a Russian park in Lebanon came from RUDN University alumni association in Lebanon. Their idea was supported by the Russian House in Beirut and Gazi Shaar, president of the Union of municipalities of Gharb Aala and Chahhar, a 1997 graduate of RUDN Institute of Agriculture and Technology.
“I am sure that the Russian-Lebanese Friendship Park will become a favorite meeting place and events for Lebanese alumni and Russian compatriots. I am grateful to all those who contributed to the creation of this place. I wish you successful new projects that will strengthen friendship between our peoples,” said Alexander Rudakov, Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Lebanon.
The colors of the Russian flag are used in the design of the new park. The tables are decorated with Gzhel and Khokhloma patterns (traditional Russian crafts). On the central alley, visitors are greeted by a traditional Russian matryoshka.
“For me, a graduate of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, the word ’friendship’ means a lot. Friendship has true value, without which it is impossible to imagine my life. Russia is a country that has become a second homeland for me and will be in my heart forever. Russia has always been a source of goodness and light, it is a country with great cultural traditions. As graduates we are proud to associate with this culture and we will try to do everything to support and promote it,” said Gazi Shaar.
During the construction of the park, only recycled materials — tires, electric cables reels and wooden pallets were used. At the opening, guests and representatives of public organizations planted 15 friendship trees.
The number of foreign ambassadors of Russian education and science has reached 47. In October 2026, 12 more teachers, scientists, and public figures received this honorary status - from Brazil, Israel, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, China, Lebanon, Moldova, Mongolia, Nigeria, Peru, Syria, and the Central African Republic. Five of them studied at Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.
Last week, RUDN University welcomed a delegation led by Gao Song, President of Peking University. The visit marked his first international trip since assuming office as the rector of the university, which ranks 13th globally.
In RUDN’s main building, Russian speech has mixed with Arabic and strict business suits with national attire. The reason for this is the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The university hosted a large-scale event “The Century of Friendship, Cultural and Scientific Exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation”, which brought together diplomats, scientists, rectors of leading universities, and students.