Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC committee of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), led a delegation to Iceland, Denmark and Sweden from Aug 21 to 29. They visited leading universities, cultural institutions and Chinese embassies in the three countries, met with officials of Chinese enterprises operating there, held academic dialogue events and engaged with BFSU students and alumni.

The BFSU delegation visits the University of Iceland on Aug 21. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]  

The delegation visited the University of Iceland on Aug 21, where Wang and Rector Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir renewed the student exchange agreement. Both sides expressed their commitment to fostering interdisciplinary talent with global competence and explored cooperation in European studies, comparative education research and the application of artificial intelligence in education.

Later that day, the delegation went to the Chinese embassy in Iceland. Wang highlighted the development of BFSU’s Icelandic language program and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to training talent for China–Iceland exchanges.

Wang Dinghua (R) and Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, rector of the University of Akureyri, sign a memorandum of understanding. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]  

At the University of Akureyri on Aug 22, Wang and Rector Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir signed a memorandum of understanding. Wang emphasized the complementarities in Arctic studies and education training between the two institutions and called for pragmatic student and faculty exchange programs.

The BFSU delegation attends a China–Iceland friendship forum at the Northern Light Confucius Institute of the University of Iceland. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The next day, delegation members attended a China–Iceland friendship forum at the Northern Light Confucius Institute of the University of Iceland, where participants discussed language education, literary translation, youth programs and cultural differences between China and Iceland. The two countries both have their own unique history and culture, and the close exchanges and sincere cooperation between their academic and educational institutions play an important role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties, Wang said.

The delegation meets with BFSU students studying at the University of Iceland to learn about their academic progress and daily life. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In Denmark, the delegation paid a visit to the R&D Center of Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group in Aarhus on Aug 24, and held talks with Chinese enterprises such as Goldwind and Dynaudio, along with BFSU alumni working in Denmark. They exchanged views on innovative approaches to promote collaboration among industry, academia and research and broaden overseas employment pathways.

The BFSU delegation visits Aarhus University. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

On Aug 25, BFSU and Aarhus University confirmed the key terms of the renewed university agreement and explored ways to advance multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary cooperation, stressing the role of higher education in addressing global challenges. 

That afternoon, the delegation visited the Chinese embassy in Denmark, where Wang thanked the embassy for its support of BFSU alumni and expressed the university’s readiness to contribute to China-Denmark friendship and educational exchanges, especially in the context of the 75th anniversary of China–Denmark diplomatic ties.

Wang Dinghua (L) and Rector David Lassen of the University of Copenhagen pose for a commemorative photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

During the meeting with Rector David Lassen of the University of Copenhagen on Aug 26, both sides agreed on the crucial role of higher education in fostering responsible youth, advancing academic and cultural exchanges and promoting world peace and development. They also emphasized the importance of the humanities and cross-disciplinary studies in providing new opportunities for higher education development in the new era. 

On Aug 27, delegation members made a trip to Lund University, where the two universities renewed their student exchange agreement and explored areas of collaboration in European studies, language education, versatile talent training and educational development empowered by information technology.

That afternoon, they also met with officials and staff members at the Chinese embassy in Sweden to discuss bilateral relations, educational cooperation and technological innovation, as well as new demands in talent and technology for China-Sweden exchanges.

BFSU delegation poses for a photo with officials of the Swedish Institute. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

On Aug 28, the delegation was received by Madeleine Sjöstedt, director-general of the Swedish Institute. Wang reviewed the history of cooperation between the two sides, thanked the institute for its support of BFSU’s Swedish language program and expressed the hope of strengthening interactions on the basis of mutual trust, so as to contribute to the development of language education. 

Later, the delegation visited Bank of China (Europe) SA Stockholm Branch to learn about the bank’s talent needs and training system, as well as the operations and impact of Chinese enterprises in Europe. The two sides also held discussions on future talent cultivation.