China and Russia Pledge to Deepen Cultural and Educational Cooperation

Beijing hosted the 26th session of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation on Saturday, co-chaired by Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. Both sides pledged to strengthen practical collaboration across various cultural, educational, and social fields, reinforcing the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.

Shen, who also serves as the Chinese chairperson of the committee, highlighted that since the previous session, China and Russia have successfully implemented key agreements reached by their heads of state. This cooperation, she noted, has resulted in a wide range of activities under the China-Russia Year of Culture, bringing the two peoples closer together through arts, education, and cultural exchanges.

“These initiatives have achieved remarkable results and helped elevate our humanities cooperation to a new level,” Shen said. She added that 2026, marking the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, will open up new opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in the humanities. Shen urged both countries to deepen practical exchanges in education, media, public health, and youth engagement to strengthen mutual understanding and create lasting benefits for future generations.

“China and Russia should continue to innovate cooperation models, enhance the quality and influence of cultural exchanges, and make tangible contributions to our comprehensive strategic partnership,” Shen emphasized. She expressed confidence that joint cultural and social initiatives will play a vital role in advancing bilateral relations and building stronger people-to-people ties.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Golikova echoed Shen’s sentiments, praising the achievements of the China-Russia humanities cooperation mechanism over the past decade and a half. She said Russia is eager to continue fostering collaboration in education, language learning, healthcare, and sports, as well as to jointly promote cultural events that highlight the shared heritage of the two countries.

“Russia is ready to work closely with China to create a new chapter of cooperation in the humanities,” Golikova said. “Together, we can enrich the friendship between our peoples and strengthen the cultural foundations of our strategic partnership.”

During the meeting, both sides witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering education, public health, cultural exchanges, and youth development. The agreements aim to expand mutual learning, encourage student and academic exchanges, and promote artistic collaboration between Chinese and Russian institutions.

The session concluded with a reaffirmation of both nations’ commitment to fostering deeper ties through culture and education, seen as essential pillars for long-term peace, mutual respect, and understanding.