Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev chose Hefei as the second leg of his two-day-trip to China. Local government officials gave a warm welcome to an old friend. Cooperation in science and technology is topping the agenda of Medvedev’s visit.

The Russian Prime Minister toured the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Institute is very famous for its achievements in the research of nuclear fusion energy. Engineers and scientists introduced their advanced physics models at its laboratories.
Medvedev also give a lecture at the University of Science of Technology of China.

“We need to explore new ways of cooperation. Innovation is the key element to pushing forward joint collaboration in science and technology. More support should be made to encourage scientists, the institute and the public, to be creative in doing research,” Dmitry Medvedev said.

Students and professors here at the University of Science and Technology of China are all very excited as they got the opportunity to communicate with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev face-to face. They hope that this opportunity will enhance communication between the two countries and make the partnership better in the future.

"We are glad that Medvedev said there will be more youth exchanges between the two countries in culture as well as science and technology," a student said.

“Russia is advanced in nuclear fusion energy. Medvedev has highlighted the importance of cooperation in science and technology. I think that is good news for Chinese scientists and students,” another student said.

Besides cooperation in science and technology, Dmitry Medvedev is also attaching great importance to boosting cultural exchanges. Both sides believe and hope that the closer communication is, the stronger ties will be.

CCTV News 10-23-2013 http://english.cntv.cn/program/china24/20131023/104909.shtml