Consul of China's Visit to MAU Marks New Prospects for Cooperation
- 15.05.2025
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On April 3, 2025, a delegation from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in St. Petersburg, headed by Consul General Mr. Luo Zhanhui, paid a working visit to Murmansk Arctic University. He was accompanied by Consul for Scientific and Technical Affairs Mr. Zhao Wei, Vice Consul for Trade and Economic Affairs Mrs. Li Yingshu, and other representatives of the Consulate.
The meeting was productive and focused on strengthening Russian-Chinese cooperation in education, science, and technology, as well as international cooperation between the two countries.
Irina Shadrina, Rector of MAU, and Yulia Shestova, Head of the International Cooperation Office, introduced the guests to the University and presented main directions of educational, scientific, and international activities that the University conducts. Moreover, the two sides discussed the prospects for academic exchange between MAU and leading universities in China; joint scientific research on Arctic technologies, ecology, and sustainable development; the possibility of joint educational programmes and internships for students and teachers. Rector expressed the University's willingness to expand its partnership with universities of China and research organisations.
During the meeting, Diana Kuznetsova, Minister of Education and Science of Murmansk region, noted the importance of developing international cooperation, especially in the field of school education. The Minister highlighted that the partnership with China opens up new opportunities for students in the region.
Attending the event were also partners of MAU from scientific organisations of the region, namely Murmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Kola Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They shared their experiences of cooperation with Chinese organisations in research, joint publications and scientific events.
The visit strengthened mutual understanding and pointed out new areas of collaboration. According to Irina Shadrina, the University is open for further cooperation with China in development of science and education in the Arctic. Yulia Shestova also noted that Murmansk Arctic University remains a platform for dialogue between Russia and international partners, which facilitates the implementation of large-scale projects.
Mr. Luo Zhanhui, Consul General in St. Petersburg, stressed the importance of cooperation with MAU as a major centre for science and education: «We are determined to develop collaboration between MAU and leading Chinese universities in organising summer and winter courses for Chinese students in various scientific areas, as well as supporting the idea of a joint research laboratory in the future.»
The visit of the Chinese delegation marked a mutual interest in developing international cooperation in the Arctic. Both sides expressed confidence in further fruitful collaboration and agreed to continue working together. The meeting was a landmark in strengthening of ties between our countries in education, science, and innovation.
