A team led by Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), visited Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on June 6.

Lars Klingbeil (second from front left), co-leader of the SPD, talks with Wang Dinghua (second from front right), secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, on June 6. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, welcomed the team, and introduced the basic situation of the university and its School of German Studies.

Wang spoke highly of the efforts made by the SPD in enhancing exchanges between political parties of China and Germany, as well as Klingbeil’s commitment to promoting bilateral relations.

The relationship between China and Germany is particularly important in a world undergoing profound and complex changes, Wang said, adding that he hopes BFSU will leverage its own strengths to facilitate educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries, and contribute to the healthy and stable development of Sino-German and Sino-European relations.

The SPD has attached great importance to the relationship between Germany and China, Klingbeil said.

Communication and dialogues are important means for the SPD and the CPC to maintain long-term friendly cooperation, and exchanges among the younger generation play a vital role in enhancing understanding and mutual trust between the two countries, the co-leader said.

He praised the 39-year cooperation between the SPD and the CPC, and highlighted the significance of good interaction in exploring effective ways to deepen cooperation.

Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the SPD, gives a speech on the changing world order on June 6. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In his speech on the changing world order, the co-leader called on Germany and China to take the initiative to shoulder their responsibilities as major forces amid the significant transformation of the world.

Klingbeil spoke highly of the China-proposed Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Belt and Road Initiative, as they have provided the world with new global public goods and platforms for international cooperation.

He also recognized the important role of languages in international communication.

Jia Wenjian, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, delivers a speech on June 6. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

As a university teaching 101 foreign languages, BFSU has cultivated a large number of talented individuals who are not only proficient in languages but also well-versed in their respective fields. The university has attached great importance to its academic system construction and international research cooperation, said Jia Wenjian, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university.

BFSU has continuously expanded its disciplinary areas and published multilingual journals with German publisher De Gruyter, Jia said.

He also advocated for research cooperation between the two countries and exploration in the future development of Sino-German relations.

Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the SPD, answers questions raised by teachers and students at BFSU. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the SPD, visits a themed exhibition on Former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt’s outstanding contributions to promoting the steady and long-term development of Sino-German relations. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]