Beijing University and Beijing Medical University have merged, officials of the two schools announced yesterday in Beijing.

Beijing Medical University will be absorbed into Beijing University, which is commonly known as Beida, giving it a medical school.

Xu Zhihong, the president of Beijing University who will continue in that post, said the two universities in their new roles will complement each other in promoting the development of inter-disciplinary courses and in accelerating the dissemination of the schools' research findings.

Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said the merger reflects the overall move to improve the management of colleges and universities.

He encouraged the new university to improve its instruction and cultivate talented students who can be instrumental in the country's economic and social development.

In his congratulatory letter, President Jiang Zemin said the merger of the two leading universities is a positive development for Chinese higher education.

Leading universities should be keys for implementing the strategy of "revitalizing the country through science and education," Jiang said.

He encouraged the new Beijing University and other universities to work harder for the nation's prosperity and development.

Beijing University boasts a rigorous and diligent academic style. Beijing Medical University is well known for training many medical specialists and contributing to the nation's medical and health advances.