Irina Fedorovna Popova, an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and director of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts (IOM) of RAS, visited Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on May 7.

Irina Fedorovna Popova (left) visits BFSU. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

BFSU President Jia Wenjian welcomed Popova and praised the IOM RAS for its vital role in historical research, document preservation, and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Jia highlighted BFSU's commitment to academic excellence, its strong disciplinary traditions, and  success in talent cultivation. He emphasized the university's willingness to leverage its unique academic resources and extensive multilingual collections to foster practical collaborations with the IOM RAS, particularly during the China-Russia Year of Education. He noted that these collaborations could enhance high-level talent development and scientific research, thereby advancing global cultural exchange and understanding.

Popova outlined IOM RAS's history, strengths, and research expertise. She acknowledged the longstanding collaboration with Chinese scholars and expressed eagerness to work with BFSU to create more platforms for China-Russia academic exchange and research.

Following the meeting, Popova delivered a lecture on the historical exchanges between Chinese and Russian civilizations, engaging in a lively discussion with BFSU faculty and students.