This year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) period, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and the beginning of the China-Russia Years of Education (2026–2027).

On March 17, the China–Russia Education and Economic Dialogue was held in Moscow, co-hosted by Renmin University of China (RUC) and the Free Economic Society of Russia (VEO Russia). The event aims to advance high-quality cooperation in education between the two countries.

A delegation led by Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of Renmin University of China, attended the forum—marking the first Chinese university delegation to visit Russia since the launch of China-Russia Years of Education.

Sergey Bodrunov, president of the VEO Russia, welcomed the RUC delegation and said that VEO Russia and RUC have maintained practical cooperation over the years, achieving a series of fruitful results. The frequent exchanges and in-depth academic interactions have effectively deepened people-to-people and cultural exchanges and educational cooperation between two countries. He expressed willingness for further cooperation with the Chinese side.

Zhang Donggang stated the China-Russia Years of Education embody the far-reaching vision of the two heads of state for the future of China–Russia relations and reflect the strong aspirations of both peoples for mutual learning among civilizations.

Zhang emphasized that RUC has long been committed to promoting academic exchange and joint talent cultivation between China and Russia. The university will continue to focus on key areas of China–Russia educational cooperation to inject new momentum into the sustained and positive development of bilateral relations.

By embracing the China–Russia Years of Education, the university will deepen educational collaboration, strengthen research synergy, and foster stronger people-to-people ties. Working with leading Russian universities, it will promote the joint cultivation of high-level talents and expand exchanges among the younger generation.

Scholars from leading institutions, including Lomonosov Moscow State University, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, and the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, participated in the dialogue.

Vitaly Minashkin, vice-rector of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, stated that scientific and educational cooperation between the two countries has flourished within multilateral frameworks in recent years, further promoting cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two nations.

Alexander Nekipelov, vice President of VEO Russia, noted that Russia and China are continuously improving their respective high-level talent cultivation systems, closely exchanging experiences and learning from each other.

Wang Wen, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies of RUC, remarked that since 2017, the institute has co-organized 15 rounds of bilateral think tank dialogues with renowned Russian think tanks and research institutions. He expressed that this dialogue will further elevate exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian universities and think tanks to new heights and levels.

Zhang Chun, dean of the School of Arts of RUC, noted that digital transformation offers broad prospects for cooperation in art education, calling for joint efforts to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with global vision and innovative capacity. 

Chen Fang, dean of the School of Foreign Languages of RUC, underscored the importance of language and cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding. “Language is the key, culture is the bridge, and youth are the future,” she said, adding that such efforts will further strengthen people-to-people ties and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Russia.