The President of Methodist University, addressing the audience, highly appreciated the importance of the event. A welcoming video message was sent by the rector of YSPU, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation M.V. Gruzdev, who emphasized the importance of developing partnerships between universities. Teachers from the Yaroslavl State Pedagogical University presented the mission of the Center for Open Education in Russian, its scientific, educational, organizational, methodological, educational and information capabilities. The culmination of the opening was the presentation of Russian matrioshka to representatives of 3 universities. This cultural symbol of the unity and diversity of the world turned out to be understandable and close to the African partners, and the musical gift of the Russian teachers set the audience in a lyrical mood. The Center for Open Education in Russian and Russian Language Teaching in Côte d’Ivoire begins work in an atmosphere of mutual interest, respect and friendship.