Penza, 27 August 2015. PenzaNews. A government delegation from the Chinese province of Gansu has arrived to Penza on Thursday, August 27, to undergo a short-term career course “Russian Language for Municipal State Servants.”

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Their visit began with a guided tour through the Penza State University where they will be studying, followed by a roundtable discussion with the university principal Alexander Gulyakov, the dean of Business Management department Sergei Vasin, and the professors who will be assisting the Chinese officials.

Alexander Gulyakov told the delegation members about the history of the Penza State University, and expressed his hope they will find education useful and entertaining.

During an informal discussion, the members learned that Hong Jiao, official responsible for the education system in the science and technical management education center, was a PSU graduate.

Russia and China have increased their cooperation nowadays, especially in economics, said Li Juan, foreign policy secretary and head of the delegation.

“The relationships between our countries are very important. This is why the Gansu province needs people who know Russian,” she said.

The city of Penza is a “city of friendship” for the Gansu people, and they feel at home even when they arrive here for the first time, Li Juan pointed out.

Olga Mescheryakova, head of the PSU international cooperation department, explained that the Chinese delegates will have an expanded course of practical lessons to help them find motivation for further Russian language experience.

“Moreover, we will continue studying the language outside the university territories during the guided tours through Penza and a visit to the ‘Tarkhany’ museum-estate, where all of us will take part in an interactive festive event with Russian folk songs, chastushkas and a traditional tea feast,” she added.

The Chinese officials will also closely work with the ministries and departments of the Penza region, she added.

“They will have a course on the economy situation and the region and its investment potential. They will visit the technoparks and learn about the vocational education system,” she clarified.

Nearly everyone in the delegation are visiting Penza for the first time, Olga Mescheryakova pointed out.

“This is the second time we hold such career course in Russian language, but a first group of such size. We expect this to continue,” she stressed.