HSE Strengthens International Ties: Meetings with University Delegations from China and Kyrgyzstan

On January 24, 2025, at the HSE University campus on Pokrovka, Rector Nikita Anisimov and representatives from key departments and internationalisation subdivisions met with delegations from South China Normal University and Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn. The discussions focused on opportunities for expanding cooperation in various fields.

Meeting with the Delegation of South China Normal University

The day began with a visit from a delegation of South China Normal University (SCNU), one of China's leading educational institutions, located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. SCNU is part of Project 211, a strategic initiative by the Chinese government aimed at strengthening and developing the country's top universities and colleges.

Currently, HSE University has 41 partner organisations in China, with 59 agreements covering various types of cooperation, including memoranda of understanding, educational and scientific collaboration, and academic mobility. Another 12 agreements are in the signing process.

Before the official meeting, the guests were given a tour of the Moscow campus, where they learnt about the history of the Durasov House, visited the central atrium—where preparations for STUDENT NIGHT 2025 were in full swing—and explored the university library. The delegation was impressed by the modern facilities and extensive library collection, which they saw as a strong foundation for joint research and knowledge exchange. They were particularly interested in the library's structure, collection size, and availability of materials in English and Chinese, as well as online access to these resources.

After that, the administration of HSE and SCNU held a meeting at the Durasov House. On the Chinese side, the attendees included President of South China Normal University Yang Zhongmin, Dean of the International Business College Wu Jianli, Dean of the School of International Studies Gu Hongli, Deputy Dean of the School of International Culture Deng Baiyi, Deputy Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation Shen Liling, and Head of the Russian Section of the School of International Studies Wang Jun, who demonstrated an excellent command of the Russian language. From HSE University, the participants included Rector Nikita Anisimov, Vice Rector Viсtoria Panova, Director of Internationalisation Kirill Kisel, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Felix Azimov, Dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs Anastasia Likhacheva, and Director of the Centre for International Cooperation of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs Yulia Prokhorova.

HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov emphasised the importance of elevating Russian–Chinese relations to a new level. He noted that one key area of cooperation in the interests of both countries and universities is talent development: ‘This aligns with the strategic mission of our university, which is to make the greatest possible contribution to ensuring opportunities for self-realisation and talent development among children and young people with outstanding abilities in an evolving world.’

Nikita Anisimov highlighted the importance of elevating Russia–China relations to a new level. The HSE rector noted that one key area of cooperation in the interests of both countries and universities is talent development: ‘This aligns with our university’s strategic mission—to make the maximum contribution to the self-realisation and development of talented children and young people in an evolving world.’

While discussing potential formats of cooperation, both sides expressed interest in developing areas such as economics and business, the Russian and Chinese languages, and intercultural communication. Representatives of both universities also touched on the development of double-degree programmes, which are already part of their practice but currently involve other partner universities. Additionally, they planned to establish working groups in the near future to begin implementing cooperation plans.

The meeting with colleagues from South China Normal University, during which the delegations actively exchanged ideas and proposals, could mark the beginning of a strong friendship and collaboration between the largest universities in Russia and China—an opinion shared by both sides.

Meeting with the Delegation of Kyrgyz National University

On the same day, Nikita Anisimov met with a delegation from Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn (KNU) led by the newly appointed rector, Dogdurbek Chontoev. Accompanying him to Moscow were his colleagues: Vice Rector Gulbara Sydykova, Director of the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science Izat Usenov, Dean of the Faculty of Biology Shafika Suleimanova, Director of the Institute of Journalism and Communication Shirin Kostyuk, Director of the Kyrgyz-Chinese Institute Sofia Apaeva, and Chairman of the Trade Union Committee Kubanychbek Zhumabekov. Representing HSE University were Rector Nikita Anisimov, Vice Rector Viktoria Panova, Director of Internationalisation Kirill Kisel, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology Alexander Tonevitsky, Deputy Director of the HSE Tikhonov Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics (MIEM HSE) Veronika Prokhorova, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries Tatiana Tikhomirova, and Academic Supervisor of the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies Timofey Bordachev.

Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn (KNU) is Kyrgyzstan’s largest and oldest university. It actively participates in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation University, the Association of Asian Universities, and the CIS Network University. HSE and KNU already have a student exchange programme, and HSE has 16 cooperation agreements with Kyrgyz educational institutions.

In October 2025, KNU will celebrate its 100th anniversary, a milestone that will be marked with large-scale celebrations. KNU Rector Dogdurbek Chontoev personally invited his HSE counterpart to attend, and Nikita Anisimov confirmed his visit, reinforcing the long-standing friendship between the two universities.

© HSE University

During the meeting, discussions focused on the development and implementation of joint educational programmes, the prospects for integrating innovative teaching approaches and digital technologies into the educational process, and the participation of teachers and students from both universities in collaborative research initiatives. Both sides also addressed such topics as the development of mirror laboratories, student internships, and the proposal to continue discussions on potential projects involving representatives from relevant university departments.

As with the SCNU delegation, the gift exchange ceremony with KNU took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. KNU Rector Dogdurbek Chontoev presented Nikita Anisimov with a traditional Kyrgyz souvenir—a carpet with appliqué designs featuring the country's national symbols.

The guests also expressed interest in visiting the library before meeting with KNU students studying at HSE as part of an exchange programme. Rector Dogdurbek Chontoev took the time to ask students in detail about their academic progress, life in Moscow, and what they hoped to accomplish upon returning home.