The BFSU New Year Forum 2024 – China-Europe Public Diplomacy Dialogue was held online and offline on Jan 6.

Yang Dan speaks at the inauguration ceremony of the CEURDS. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During the inauguration ceremony of the Center of the European Union and Regional Development Studies (CEURDS) at the forum, Yang Dan, president of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, underscored the importance of understanding the European Union (EU) in an all-round way and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between China and Europe.

He emphasized BFSU’s role as an active participant, promoter and contributor to Sino-European dialogue, exchanges and cooperation, and made special mention of the university’s profound foundation and fine tradition in conducting research on Europe and the EU, as well as its remarkable achievements in European country and area studies, teaching, and exchanges with Europe.

The establishment of the CEURDS at BFSU aligns with the changing times and the development of Sino-European relations. This move responds to the national initiative to promote country and area studies, and contributes to the steady progress of China-Europe ties and the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind, Yang said. 

The forum witnesses the inauguration of the CEURDS. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Letters of appointment are presented to academic advisors and members of the academic committee of the CEURDS. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Another highlight of the New Year forum was the China-Europe Public Diplomacy Dialogue – Enhancing Understanding to Resolve Differences, which invited political, academic and business representatives from China and Europe to discuss peace, development and civilization.

Yang Dan delivers an opening speech at the China-Europe Public Diplomacy Dialogue – Enhancing Understanding to Resolve Differences. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Yang underlined the significance of Sino-European relations, describing them as one of the most crucial, comprehensive and complex bilateral ties in the world, and called for continuous, frank and in-depth dialogue to guarantee resilient and stable China-Europe relations. 

Hosted by BFSU and organized by the Academy of Regional and Global Governance, the BFSU New Year Forum attracted distinguished guests, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, the Ministry of Commerce, the Chinese Association for European Studies, the Delegation of the European Union to China and the China-Germany Friendship Association. 

It also featured prominent figures from various institutions, such as the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Development Research Centre of the State Council and the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, along with over 100 participants from renowned universities, research institutions, major think tanks and media outlets.