Russia Launches Universities Project to Boost Ties with Vietnam

The Russian Cultural Center (RCC) in Vietnam on March 10 launched the “Russian Universities” project as part of activities to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. The project aims to establish and develop direct contacts between universities of both countries and encourage young Vietnamese people to study in Russia. It will also seek to maintain the relationship among Vietnamese alumni at Russian schools and universities. During the first phase of the project, Vietnamese and Russian universities will work on joint scientific studies, student exchange, and the organization of seminars and conferences. The second phase of the project is scheduled to begin in late 2014. Annually, Russia receives around 800,000 foreign students, with those from Vietnam and Mongolia accounting for the largest number. Currently, around 5,000 Vietnamese students are studying at universities in Russia. (Nhan Dan - The People Mar 11 p5)