Date: Dec. 13, 2023

Source: Office of International Exchange and Cooperation

Author: PU Ruoqian

Translator: LI Junxi

JNU Vice President Zhang Hong led a delegation on a visit to Turkey, the United Kingdom and Ireland from Nov. 21 to 30. The delegation visited Koç University, Middle East Technical University, the University of Birmingham and University College Dublin, along with Chinese embassies and consulates. It conducted in-depth discussions with local alumni representatives and hosted overseas talent recruitment fairs and seminars.

On Nov. 21 the delegation visited the Chinese Consulate General in Istanbul, where Deputy Consul General Wu Jian welcomed and briefed its members on the overseas Chinese community in Turkey. Wu highlighted the development status of the local China General Chamber of Commerce and the Overseas Chinese Women Association, saying he expected JNU to play an enhanced role in Chinese language education in the region.

(The delegation visiting the Chinese Consulate General in Istanbul)

It proceeded to Koç University in Turkey on Nov. 22, meeting with Assistant Vice President Erdem Alaca and other officials. The two parties reached consensus on student and faculty exchanges and cooperation in scientific research.

At Middle East Technical University on Nov. 24, Vice Presiedent Mehmet Zeyrek suggested that academic leaders and renowned professors from both universities take the lead in advancing collaboration, focusing on key research areas and cutting-edge academic topics.

(The meeting scene at Middle East Technical University)

The delegation organized high-level talent recruitment seminars and fairs in London and Birmingham on Nov. 25 and 26, engaging in face-to-face discussions with overseas Chinese young scholars.

It visited the University of Birmingham, JNU's longtime collaborative partner, on Nov. 27. Jon Frampton, the principal operator of Jinan University-University of Birmingham Joint Institute, expressed his hope to integrate graduate education into the institute's comprehensive framework of cooperative education built on the foundation of existing achievements. After the meeting, the delegation visited representatives of institute students studying at the University of Birmingham.

The delegation visited University College Dublin on Nov. 28. Wang Liming, director of the Confucius Institute there, presented its development and achievements. The delegation also engaged in targeted discussions with the Office of Global Engagement, the College of Arts and Humanities, and the School of Agriculture and Food Science, expressing intention to cooperate for joint cultivation programs (3+1+1) in various professional fields.

(The delegation visiting University College Dublin)

The delegation visited He Xiangdong, the Chinese ambassador to Ireland, on Nov. 29. He commended JNU’s overseas education initiatives and achievements, and offered suggestions on expanding international Chinese education overseas.

While in London, the delegation also met with representatives of the U.K. Alumni Association. The alumni said the delegation's visit brought them closer to their alma mater and pledged to uphold the trust, making unremitting efforts to promote traditional Chinese culture in the future.

In the coming days, JNU plans to follow up on the outcomes of these visits by holding a meeting to promote cooperation projects in the three countries.