The foundation for the development of youth relations between the Russian Federation and the French Republic is the intergovernmental Agreement on the development of youth exchange of September 20, 2008 (entered into force on May 1, 2017) and the intergovernmental Agreement on cultural cooperation of February 6, 1992.

The purpose of the Agreement on the development of youth exchanges is to promote the mobility of young citizens of Russia and France who want to deepen their knowledge in the field of language and culture as well as life of the society of the partner country and thereby participate in the development of bilateral relations.

The Agreement provides for the following forms of cooperation:

• joint activities aimed at deepening mutual understanding and establishing direct contacts, 
• joint events on socio-political, historical, socio-economic, environmental and legal issues, 
• joint events in the field of culture, art, science, technology, sports and youth tourism, 
• bilateral voluntary public actions, 
• youth exchange between sister cities and regions of Russia and France, 
• joint events for the exchange of experience in the field of youth policy, 
• interaction and joint events in the field of professional training and advanced training of youth workers, including internships, 
• cooperation between representatives of publishing houses and the mass media for youth as well as the exchange of young journalists, 
• joint voluntary programs to familiarize themselves with the living conditions, education and employment of young people in Russia and France, 
• activities to study and deepen the knowledge of Russian and French, 
• organization of joint trips of youth and youth camps, 
• joint participation in multilateral youth actions and programs within the framework of international organizations in compliance with the legislation of Russia and France, 
• joint participation in other programs and cooperation projects in accordance with the objectives of the Agreement and the legislation of Russia and France.

In accordance with the Agreement of 2008, the Russian-French Committee on Youth Exchanges was established. Its purpose is to annually sum up the results of cooperation and develop action plans for the implementation of the Agreement. From the Russian side the Committee is headed by the Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. The composition of the Russian part of the committee was approved by the order of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 14, 2021 No. 1606-r. The first meeting of the Committee was held in a hybrid format on October 15, 2021 in Moscow.

In accordance with the Agreement on cultural cooperation, Russia and France will facilitate the exchange of young citizens paying special attention to the decentralization of exchanges and the importance of professional training of young people as well as personnel for youth organizations.

France participates in the development of international youth cooperation through the Council of Europe.

Regulatory legal acts:

Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the French Republic on the development of youth exchanges of September 20, 2008

Agreement on cultural cooperation of February 6, 1992

Decree No. 1606-r of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 14, 2021