MSLU Rector Takes Part in Opening Ceremony of Russia–China Years of Educational Cooperation in Beijing

On 20 May 2026, Beijing hosted the official opening ceremony of the Russia–China Years of Educational Cooperation. The large-scale event marked the launch of the Cross Years of Education (2026–2027), announced by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

At the invitation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, MSLU Rector Irina Kraeva joined the official Russian delegation in Beijing and became one of 20 rectors representing leading Russian and Chinese universities. The participation of MSLU’s Rector in the ceremony reflects the University’s strategic role as a leading centre for training specialists in Chinese language and culture and one of the key partners of Chinese universities in the humanities.

The programme of the Cross Years of Education includes more than 100 major projects aimed at expanding cooperation between universities of the two countries. The joint statement by Russia and China outlines plans to develop fundamental research initiatives, establish joint innovation centres, and further promote the teaching and learning of Russian and Chinese languages.

In an interview with the Xinhua News Agency, Irina Kraeva noted that educational cooperation between Russia and China has evolved from individual initiatives into a comprehensive partnership that helps overcome intercultural barriers. She highlighted the Alliance of Chinese-Russian Language Education Universities, established in 2023 on the initiative of MSLU and Heilongjiang University, as a successful example of such cooperation. Today, the Alliance unites more than 70 universities from both countries.

An important step in implementing the programme of the Russia–China Years of Educational Cooperation will be the upcoming meeting of the Alliance of Chinese-Russian Language Education Universities, which will take place at MSLU on 18–19 June 2026. The meeting will focus on expanding academic mobility programmes for faculty members, introducing digital technologies into language teaching, and coordinating joint research projects.