Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies of MSU, head of Department of the Middle and Near East History Prof. Dr. Mikhail S. Meyer evaluated Turkish-Russian bilateral relations from a historic perspective. From Russian Federation Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oriental Studies, Chair of Turkish Department Dr. Nataliya Ulchenko drew the attention to the economic relations between two countries. It was also emphasized that improving student/academic exchange programs would strengthen the relations between Russia and Turkey. Academics and members of different NGOs and think-tanks were also involved to the discussions and supported the idea of academic exchange programs, which would generate a better understanding of others' culture.