In order to strengthen cooperation and exchange programs with DPRK institutions of higher learning, as well as RUC’s influence in the DPRK, Executive Vice Chairman Zhang Jianming has answered Kim Il-Sung University’s invitation to bring a delegation to DPRK from the 22^nd to the 26^th of September, 2014. On September 22^nd, the delegation joined the “Korean language, literature and history” themed international learning symposium held by Kim Il-Sung University. Before the meeting, the president of theuniversitymet with and welcomed the RUC delegation to the DPRK. He explained the history and traditions of Kim Il-Sung University, then allowed Mr. Zhang to introduce the history and traditions of RUC in return. Both parties acknowledged that the two universities’ history and traditions, as well as influence in their respective countries, are similar in nature> They noted the foundation and potential for their cooperation and educational exchanges were significant, and that they both hoped to further strengthen the cooperation and exchanges between them.   At 9am that morning, the two university leaders placed a wreath of flowers at the foot of the statue of Kim Jong Il.   Later, Mr. Zhang gave a speech at the opening ceremony. He explained that this symposium has a lot of significance, as it provides a wonderful platform for furthering research in Korean and Chinese literature and heritage, as well as promotes friendly cooperation between North Korean scholars and scholars from around the world. He believes that this will be a step forward in allowing North Korea to share its language and culture with the rest of the world.   That afternoon, Kim Il-Sung University’s Publicity Secretary hosted Mr. Zhang and his delegation. During their talks, Mr. Zhang further spoke about RUC’s rich history and traditions, international programs, and position of influence among China’s educational system. He also invited Kim Il-Sung University to send a delegation to visit RUC. He went onto promote RUC’s ambitions of expanding their exchange programs, expressing that RUC has a lot to offer in terms of spreading its educational values, research methods, and other unique philosophies.   The following evening, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK, Liu Hongcai, met with a delegation from RUC and Yanbian University. During this meeting, Executive Vice Chairman Zhang gave the ambassador another introduction to RUC—particularly the university’s emphasis on an international strategy and promotion of foreign exchange programs. Ambassador Liu spoke about Sino-Korean relations in terms of economic, cultural, and educational cooperation and exchanges, as well as DPRK’s noteworthy educational acheivements.