Vice President Zhang Beiping of Sichuan International Studies University (SISU) led a delegation to Russia from October 28 to 31, visiting long-time partner institutions to expand cooperation in education, research, and cultural exchange. The visit, made at the invitation of the N. A. Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University of Nizhny Novgorod, marked another step forward in SISU’s international collaboration efforts.

During the visit to Dobrolyubov University, Vice President Zhang and President Nikita Vladimirovich Avraliov co-chaired the 11th Board Meeting of the Confucius Institute jointly established by the two universities. The meeting reviewed the institute’s recent achievements, identified key challenges, and discussed plans for future development. The SISU delegation also met with Chinese faculty members and volunteers, expressing appreciation for their role in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening mutual understanding between China and Russia.

At a roundtable on institutional cooperation, the two universities agreed to deepen collaboration in several areas, including the joint development of academic programs, the co-organization of international conferences, and new exchange opportunities for students and faculty. Notably, both sides committed to advancing a “Russian + International Economics and Trade” 3+1+2 interdisciplinary program between SISU’s School of Russian Studies and Dobrolyubov University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, alongside expanded student exchange with the university’s School of Advanced Translation.

The delegation later visited the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, where Zhang held talks with Vice President Anatoly Sergeyevich Kislyakov. The two universities reached new agreements on research collaboration, joint textbook development, and student mobility, as well as further cooperation in interdisciplinary Russian and international trade studies.

While in Moscow, the SISU delegation also met with representatives of the SISU Moscow Alumni Chapter and the Sichuan–Chongqing Chamber of Commerce in Russia to explore internship and career opportunities for students. Zhang conveyed warm greetings from SISU and encouraged alumni to continue supporting the university’s growth and international engagement.

The visit reflects SISU’s ongoing commitment to deepening global partnerships and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. By strengthening ties with leading Russian universities, SISU continues to build new avenues for talent development, joint research, and international education, injecting new vitality into the university’s “Study at SISU” initiative and its broader vision for global collaboration.