Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) President Chen Shiyi was invited to attend and speak at the Sino-Russian Comprehensive University Presidents’ Forum (“The Forum”) yesterday in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Gelikewa addressed the opening ceremony of the Forum.

In his presentation at the Forum, President Chen spoke about “The Emerging Modern International Metropolis and Innovative Universities.” President Chen shared with the audience about the socio-economic development and long-term prospect of the City of Shenzhen, the mission and institutional innovation of SUSTech, and he took the opportunity to express his willingness to develop cooperation with Russian universities in student exchange, joint research programs, technological innovation, and a wide range of areas.

The Forum took place at St Petersburg State University of Economics, and was jointly organized by Peking University and Lomonosov Moscow State University, as the leading institutions of the Sino-Russian Comprehensive University Alliance.

Presidents and vice presidents from 21 top universities in both countries participated in the Forum yesterday, discussing this year’s topic of “The mission of Sino-Russian Universities in Scientific and Technological Innovation.”

The Sino-Russian university leaders sought to tap their respective advantages and potential in academic complementarity to develop bilateral cooperation, as a way to promote the Sino-Russia friendly relations, to foster economic integration of Europe and Asia, and to benefit peoples from the two countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Russia bilateral diplomatic ties. The Forum has been incorporated into the framework for the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation.