Tatyana Golikova, deputy prime minister of Russia, visited the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing on Sunday during her latest trip to China.

Golikova's visit serves to drive deep bilateral dialogue, enrich people-to-people exchanges, and enhance practical cooperation between the two nations in the education sector.

UIBE Party Secretary Huang Baoyin walked with Golikova through the university's history museum and outlined its core academic strengths, talent development and long-standing partnership with Russian higher education institutions.

Later at the university's Museum of Foreign Economic and Trade Relations, UIBE President Zhao Zhongxiu updated the Russian delegation on the remarkable development of China’s foreign trade sector. He also highlighted UIBE alumni's contributions to facilitating Sino-Russian economic, trade and educational ties over the past seven decades since its founding.

Golikova then had a meeting with the students from the University, including Russian students who pursue their degree programs at the university.

Both Russia and China have been placing high priority on promoting ties between their respective universities, as well as stepping up academic exchanges, Golikova said. "So far, we have built a very positive track record."

The two nations have officially designated the upcoming two years as the Years of Education, a joint initiative backed by both leaders at their summit earlier this year.

"This is an important and timely initiative, which will serve as an impetus for promoting bilateral cooperation in education," Tatyana Golikova emphasized.

Huang said UIBE will capitalize on the visit to deepen ties with Russian higher education institutions by expanding collaboration in student training, academic research, think tank development and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to bilateral economic and cultural relations.