Oleg Yastrebov, Rector of Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), led a delegation to Shandong University (SDU) on Oct 28 and 29. SDU President Li Shucai met with the delegation, and the two parties signed a new, forward-looking cooperation plan.

President Li highlighted the productive partnership since the 2003 inter-university agreement, noting successful cooperation in fields like Chinese language education, political science, regional studies, ecology, and medicine. He emphasized that the collaboration serves as a model for Sino-Russian higher education. Li proposed exploring new models, such as dual-degree programs and joint supervision, to elevate talent cultivation. He also suggested joint research and high-end forums to reach new heights in scientific innovation.

Rector Yastrebov praised SDU's 2025 Global Partners Week as a crucial platform for international cultural exchange, emphasizing that RUDN University sees SDU as a vital strategic partner. He expressed a strong commitment to using the meeting to explore new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The highlight of the visit was the signing of the 2025-2028 Cooperation Plan. This agreement solidifies an expanded, comprehensive partnership in research collaboration, faculty and student exchange, and talent development, paving the way for the relationship to reach a higher level.

During their visit, RUDN experts and scholars also toured SDU's School of Foreign Languages and Literature, School of Philosophy and Social Development, and Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies, engaging in focused discussions on joint research, student exchange and joint-training programs.

Two sides formalize an agreement for the cooperation plan. [Photo/Shandong University]

During the visit, Oleg Yastrebov confers the title of "Honorary Professor" and a gown on President Li Shucai. [Photo/Shandong University]