Education seen as key bridge in relations

President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed their hopes on Wednesday for future collaboration between the two countries in nurturing talent and fostering friendship among young people when they attended the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Education (2026-27) in Beijing.

The two leaders delivered speeches and then jointly unveiled the emblem for the China-Russia Years of Education.

In his speech, Xi said that launching the China-Russia Years of Education was a strategic decision made by him and President Putin to enhance the long-term development of China-Russia relations.

Xi said that education is an important bridge connecting the hearts of the peoples and carrying forward friendship between nations, and it is a noble cause that benefits both the present and future generations.

China-Russia educational cooperation has deepened considerably, producing remarkable results and enriching the substance of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, he said.

Xi emphasized that both sides should take the China-Russia Years of Education as an opportunity to build further consensus on cooperation, expand its scope and raise its level.

Putin said that educational cooperation is an indispensable component of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination and underscored the milestone significance of launching the China-Russia Years of Education. Both countries attach great importance to education, which is crucial for individuals' development and serves as the foundation for a nation's economic and social development, he said.

The Russian president praised the China-Russia Years of Education for its rich content and large scale.

Currently, more than 80,000 students from both countries are studying in the other nation, and the two sides have established more than 150 joint educational institutions and programs, Zhang Hanhui, Chinese ambassador to Russia, wrote in an article published on Tuesday.

In his speech, Xi emphasized that thriving and strong education is the foundation of a thriving and strong nation. He said that 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 countries should embrace the vision of mutual learning among civilizations, and promote the sharing of experience in terms of the inheritance of civilization and the governance of education, to improve their respective work in these fields, he said.

Both sides should carry forward the traditional friendship, further tap the potential of educational cooperation, encourage young people to cement friendship through in-depth exchanges, and nurture torchbearers who will carry forward China-Russia friendship for generations to come, he added.

Xi said that with these joint efforts, he believes the China-Russia Years of Education will surely be a complete success.

On Wednesday, Xi and Putin also toured a photo exhibition at the Great Hall of the People, celebrating the everlasting friendship between the two countries.

The exhibition vividly presented the close interaction between the two heads of state since the beginning of the new era.

Xi and Putin paused periodically to view the photos and listen to briefings, fondly recalling moments of friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in recent years. The two leaders noted that the great cause of China-Russia friendship conforms to the course of history and the times, remains unbreakable, and will continue to move forward, writing new chapters.

On Wednesday evening, Xi and Putin had a tea chat before Putin departed for Russia.

Xi said that he and Putin reached a new and important consensus on advancing the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

Putin said that Russia looks forward to maintaining close communication with China and strengthening strategic coordination.

The two heads of state also exchanged views on issues including the Ukraine crisis.