Zhao Gang, vice-president of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC BFSU Committee, led a delegation to Germany, Georgia, and Azerbaijan from Oct 27 to Nov 3. The delegation engaged in a series of meetings with local universities and institutions focusing on language program development, inter-university cooperation, Confucius Institute development, and bilateral educational and cultural exchanges, achieving fruitful results.

In Germany, Zhao Gang visited the Confucius Institute in Munich, where he held discussions with the Chinese director and the entire staff. On behalf of BFSU, Zhao Gang, along with Jakob Pöllath,  representing the Stiftung ex oriente (Munich Oriental Foundation), signed an agreement to continue the cooperative development of the Confucius Institute. They also signed a cooperation agreement to establish an overseas internship and practice base between BFSU and the institute.

BFSU delegation and leaders of Confucius Institute Munich pose for a group photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In Georgia, the delegation visited the Free University of Tbilisi, Tbilisi State University, the National Language Bureau of Georgia, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, and the Chinese Embassy in Georgia. They engaged in in-depth discussions to promote student exchanges, collaborative research, and academic activities.

BFSU and Tbilisi State University sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

BFSU delegation and representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia pose for a group photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In Azerbaijan, the delegation visited Khazar University, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, the Azerbaijan State News Agency, Baku State University, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan. BFSU also signed the memorandums of understanding with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, and the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

BFSU delegation and leaders of the Khazar University pose for a group photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Additionally, Zhao Gang was interviewed by the Azerbaijan State News Agency, where the discussions focused on Sino-Azerbaijani educational cooperation and the development of language programs.

Zhao Gang is interviewed by the Azerbaijan State News Agency. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Zhao Gang emphasized that since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed, higher education cooperation between China and Azerbaijan has entered a new phase. He highlighted the importance of language professionals in facilitating cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations, expressing BFSU's willingness to engage in deeper collaboration with Azerbaijani universities. Azerbaijani media noted that Zhao Gang's visit marked the beginning of a new phase in cooperation between Chinese and Azerbaijani universities.