On 13 May, the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted a working meeting with Dr Ma Bin, Associate Professor at Fudan University and Deputy Director of the Centre for SCO Studies and the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies. The meeting focused on strengthening academic cooperation between IAIS, UWED and Fudan University.

During the discussion, Dr Ma Bin presented the research structure of Fudan University and noted its interest in expanding cooperation with academic and research institutions in Central Asia. Particular attention was given to opportunities for short- and medium-term research visits for master’s students, doctoral candidates and young researchers from IAIS and UWED to Fudan University.

The sides also discussed the possibility of preparing a joint analytical report on strategic transport connectivity in Central Asia. Special attention was given to infrastructure corridors, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, as well as broader Eurasian transport routes.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further cooperation, including academic mobility, joint conferences, analytical publications and research collaboration on Central Asia and regional connectivity. They also agreed to continue work on a draft memorandum of cooperation between IAIS and Fudan University.