In late September, the second North Korea-Russia rector forum held in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. Sergey Bocharov, Rector of Altai State University, participated in the event. The Russian delegation was led by Vice Science and Higher Education Minister Konstantin Mogilevski.

In total, heads of more than 70 universities from Russia and North Korea attended the international forum. At the opening ceremony, Konstantin Mogilevski emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries in science and education and expressed confidence that this dialogue would continue to grow.

"Today's students are tomorrow's graduates. It is they who will carry on the traditions of Russian-Korean friendship. It is important that they are able to communicate, exchange ideas, implement joint projects, and gain a deeper understanding of each other's cultures and traditions," the press service of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education quoted Konstantin Mogilevsky as saying.

Following the forum, an intergovernmental agreement on the mutual recognition of education, qualifications, and academic degrees between Russia and North Korea was signed. In addition, three inter-university cooperation agreements were concluded during the event.

• North Korea - Russia rector forum in Pyongyang.

Sergey Bocharov provided a detailed account of the forum's main day, September 29.

"In the morning, we visited universities in North Korea. The country's premier university – Kim II Sung University – is marking its 80th anniversary this year. A working meeting held there focused on the Development of Science and Education for Social Progress. What can be said about the university?" It is the country's premier training ground for future leaders, where two North Korean heads of state – Kim Jong II and Kim Jong Un – studied. Admission is highly competitive. All students receive uniforms and free meals. The university has a swimming pool and water park, a stadium, dormitories, and both traditional and digital libraries equipped with 1,000 networked computers. The students' motivation and thirst for knowledge are striking –every reading room was full. Even though they can access the network from home, Korean students prefer to study in the library; they arrive an hour before opening just to secure a seat.

In the afternoon, the main event took place: the opening and proceedings of the second North Korea – Russia rector forum. According to Sergey Bocharov, speakers from both countries presented their universities and outlined plans to expand educational and scientific cooperation.

"Our countries share very similar positions: rectors expressed ambitions to secure leading positions among global universities, highlighted the need to train specialists for technological advancement, and shared successes in scientific development for national industry. I gave a presentation about Altai State University to my colleagues and outlined our key areas of scientific and international activity," Sergey Bocharov said.

As part of the forum, organizers arranged several tours of Pyongyang’s historical and cultural landmarks.