On the afternoon of May 20, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly attended the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Education at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The two presidents entered the venue together amid warm applause.

President Xi delivered remarks first. He noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Against this backdrop, he and President Putin made the strategic decision to launch the Years of Education to mark such a year of special significance, with a view to enhancing the long-term development of China-Russia relations. Education is an important bridge connecting peoples’ hearts and carrying forward friendship between countries. It is a noble cause that will benefit not only the present generation but many more to come. Over the years, China-Russia cooperation in education has continued to deepen and yielded notable outcomes, enriching the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. Taking the China-Russia Years of Education as an opportunity, the two sides should continue to build consensus on cooperation, expand areas of cooperation, and enhance the level of cooperation.

President Xi emphasized that a thriving and strong education is the foundation of a thriving and strong nation. China and Russia should deepen cooperation in talent cultivation, jointly nurture world-class professionals, strengthen national capabilities in strategic science and technology, work together to tackle cutting-edge scientific challenges, and boost the innovation-driven development of both countries. The two sides should embrace the vision of mutual learning among civilizations, promote experience sharing in terms of the inheritance of civilization and the governance of education to improve their respective work in these fields. Furthermore, the two sides should carry forward traditional friendship, further tap the potential of education cooperation, and promote mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples. In particular, they should encourage young people to cement friendship through in-depth exchanges, so as to nurture torchbearers who will take up and carry forward China-Russia friendship for generations to come. With the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Russia Years of Education will surely achieve full success.

President Putin underscored the importance of education cooperation as an indispensable part of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries, and the milestone significance of launching the Years of Education. He stated that both Russia and China place great importance on education, as it is not only crucial to personal development, but also the foundation of national economic and social progress. The Russia-China Years of Education will feature a rich variety of large-scale events. Russia is prepared to work with China to strengthen cooperation in education, thereby enhancing mutual understanding between the younger generation, ensuring that the cause of Russia-China friendship is carried forward by succeeding generations, and promoting greater development of Russia-China relations.

The two presidents jointly unveiled the emblem of the China-Russia Years of Education.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Shen Yiqin attended the event.