Chinese and Russian university presidents discussed how higher education would adapt and contribute to the social reform at a forum in Beijing on Friday.

The forum, under the theme of higher education development in social reform, gathered 12 Chinese university presidents and 13 of their Russian counterparts. They discussed how to maintain education quality and promote higher education in a fast changing society.

"Higher education in China and Russia shares much similarity as both countries are fast transforming," said Xu Zhihong, Peking University president. "They are both having great development potential."

Chinese universities have grown very fast in the past three decades and fostered a great deal of talents for the country's modernization, said Li Weihong, Chinese Vice-Minister of Education.

"I have noticed Russia is increasing its government investment in higher education and working hard to improve creativity and dynamics of universities," she said.

The sound development of higher education in the two countries had laid a solid foundation to sit together and work for a brighter future,she added. "I hope university presidents from both sides can contribute good ideas at the meeting."

The annual forum, sponsored by the two governments, started in 2006 and was one of the national-level cultural exchange programs.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2008)