SDU Vice-President Yi Fan welcomes the delegation on March 31. [Photo/Shandong University]

On March 31, a high-level delegation from the Republic of Tatarstan, including Albert Kharisovich Gilmutdinov, Aide to the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Timirkhan Alishev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at Kazan Federal University (KFU), visited Shandong University (SDU) to enhance bilateral academic ties.

During the meeting, SDU Vice-President Yi Fan emphasized that the China-Russia Years of Education (2026 and 2027) provides a huge opportunity to implement the cooperative vision set by national leaders. He reaffirmed SDU's commitment to spearheading key projects under this framework in collaboration with KFU.

Albert Kharisovich Gilmutdinov assured that the Republic of Tatarstan fully supported these initiatives, aiming to create an example for China-Russia higher education partnerships.

Meanwhile, Timirkhan Alishev pledged a close collaboration to expedite preparatory work for forthcoming joint programs.

The visit also included extensive technical and academic exchanges. The delegation toured the Center for Research and Experience of Traditional Chinese Culture at Shandong University and other research facilities, engaging in detailed discussions with representatives from various departments, such as the Schools of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, and Public Health.