Amine Khelkhal: “Russia is the best country in the world for me”

Senior Research Associate of the Laboratory of Enhanced Oil Recovery and the Laboratory of Catalytic Aquathermolysis gave an interview to Open Talk about Russia, a popular YouTube channel featuring conversations with persons who have immigrated to Russia from various countries and found their calling here.

Amine shares that he didn’t initially think about Russia when he graduated from the University of M’hamed Bouguerra of Boumerdès with a degree in petroleum chemistry and moved to Southern Algeria to work in the industry. However, his uncle insisted that he continue his education and become a PhD, and this useful advice led hom to move to our country.

“It was a shock for me to be transported from a sunny Algeria to a place with cold and dark days, new people, new infrastructure, and a totally strange language. I realized that I wouldn’t achieve anything in this country if I didn’t work on my Russian language skills,” admits the interviewee.

His primary work deals with in-situ combustion – research of catalysts for oil displacement in a reservoir. The projects are supported by the Priority 2030 funding.

On his contribution to the development of Russia, Amine ponders, “This is the country where I now have a family – a wife and a child. Naturally, I have goals for the future. I try to invest in the development of Russia, in my future and the future of my children and grandchildren. Any new development brings me great satisfaction. I feel like a full-fledged citizen, protected from external threats. The more income we get from oil, gas and new technologies, the more we will be protected from negative external influences as a country and as a people.”

His relatives were initially very surprised when he chose Russia over France – the latter being the overwhelmingly popular choice for Algerian expats. However, his ambition and curiosity stimulated him to seek a more interesting challenge.

How difficult was it to learn Russian? “It helped me that I have a linguistic background from other languages. Over time, I started to understand the logic, which is very different from other languages, so it is very difficult to switch from French or Arabic. You have to understand the logic first, and then build up your vocabulary. Reading helped me the most. Nevertheless, Russian is still a foreign language for me. Yesterday I learned the word ‘mol’ [an interjection meaning ‘from other people’s words’, ‘hearsay’, ‘allegedly’ – editor’s note]. A colleague recently wrote a message, and I didn’t understand what it was. It’s an amazing word.” However, Amine humbly thinks that he will never be totally proficient in Russian. Thankfully, his spouse and 13-year-old son are eager to teach him. Of great importance is literature, especially Leo Tolstoy.

Among the interesting Russian holidays the researcher mentions the Women’s Day, the Victory Day, and local Tatar celebrations like Sabantuy (the harvest festival).

He is very impressed by how fast everything grows in the city, “Kazan is developing rapidly. When I arrived, the labs were being established – and now we are among the best in world. The salaries have grown almost fivefold. Everything is fine, and I don’t see any obstacles.”

Russia has really become a home for Amine, “I became a citizen in 2020, and I am proud of it. For me, this is the best nation – for life, in economics or politics. I feel great here.”

On what he wants to take from Algeria to his new home, Amine answers – camels and date fruits. However, quips he, the camels may not be the biggest fans of such an emigration.

During the interview, Amine has more than once shared his life motto – which indeed reflects his character well – See your goal and don’t mind the obstacles.