​The IV Forum of Rectors of Russian and Ibero-American Universities, which was held October 16 to 18, 2019 at the University of Seville (Spain), was attended by representatives of 24 largest universities of Russia and 43 leading universities of Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Honduras, Andorra, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Morocco and Venezuela. For two days, the participants discussed topical issues related to the educational and science field development, as well as the role of universities in harmonising the international scientific, educational, technological and humanitarian space in the era of great challenges.

Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Mikhail Kotyukov welcomed the participants of the forum. In his congratulatory message, the Minister, in particular, noted that  «having already become traditional, this forum has also become an authoritative platform for a productive exchange of views on the topics of cooperational development in the educational field» and expressed the opinion that the meeting participants will be able to discuss conceptual approaches to the new form of higher education, work out practical recommendations for further improvement of educational technologies. The forum opening was honoured with the presence of HE Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Spain Yuri Korchagin the Director General for Science, Technology and Doctoral Studies of the Ministry of Higher Education of the Republic of Cuba Ondina Jacinta Leon Diaz.

Siberian Federal University has long-standing relationships with a variety of Spanish universities, in particular the University of Cadiz. Which is why the advisor of Siberian Federal University, and at that time still Uni’s Rector (Chancellor) Evgeny Vaganov took part in the first ever Forum of Rectors of Russian and Ibero-American Universities in March 2009 taking place in Madrid. King of Spain Juan Carlos I and President of Russia Dmitri Medvedev were the guests of honour then .

During the visit, Maxim Rumyantsev, Acting Rector (Chancellor) had the opportunity to speak with the administrative representatives of the Technical University of Madrid, the University of Seville, the universities of Bolivia and Cuba. Possible formats of future cooperation were discussed. Within the framework of the event at the University of Cadiz, the Acting Rector met with students of Siberian Federal University who are currently studying there as part of academic exchange programmes, as well as graduate students who conduct research on energy and computer science with a grant from the President of the Russian Federation. Finally, a meeting of the Siberian Federal University Acting Rector with the Deputy Mayor of Cadiz David Navarro took place in the city hall. Negotiations on the agreement for the cities to become twin towns was the reason. The interaction between universities in this particular event played  a significant role in the discussion.

Within the framework of the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Rectors' Union (RUR) and the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) was signed. The purpose of this agreement is to support and promote the internationalization of higher education in both countries, to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between Russia and Spain in the field of higher education and scientific research.