On the afternoon of June 9, Urfan Khaliq, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, led a delegation to Beijing Normal University(BNU). Kang Zhen, Vice President of BNU, met with the guests.

Kang Zhen extended a warm welcome to Khaliq and his delegation. He reviewed the long-standing and solid strategic partnership between the two universities and its development over the years. He noted that flagship projects jointly developed by the two sides, including the Chinese College, have achieved remarkable results, and that the foundation of the partnership lies in the two universities’ mutual trust and sustained commitment. He expressed his hope that the two universities would continue to deepen cooperation and move forward together, advancing inter-university collaboration to a new level and achieving further success in the new stage.

Speaking about practical disciplinary cooperation in the next phase, Kang Zhen noted that the two sides could further explore the potential for collaboration in journalism and communication. He said that, in light of industry trends and real social needs, the two universities could work together to cultivate high-level professionals with well-rounded competencies who meet the demands of the times. He also gave a detailed introduction to the educational positioning and distinctive talent-cultivation platform of BNU’s Institute of Chinese Culture | Jingshi Academy, and proposed that the two sides carry out interdisciplinary academic research around the theme of “Development-Governance-Culture.” He warmly welcomed outstanding students from Cardiff University to study and exchange at BNU.

Khaliq said he was delighted to visit BNU again and expressed his gratitude for the thoughtful reception. He spoke highly of the jointly established Chinese College, describing it as a model of China-foreign cooperation and a core platform for the strategic partnership between the two universities. He said Cardiff University would continue to increase its investment of resources and work with BNU to develop the project with high quality and high standards. In response to Kang Zhen’s proposals for cooperation, Khaliq expressed strong agreement, saying that they were highly aligned with Cardiff University’s current development plans and discipline-building goals, and that the two universities enjoy broad prospects for future cooperation.

Representatives from the School of Chinese Language and Literature, the School of Journalism and Communication, and the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation attended the meeting. The two sides reached consensus on a number of issues, including deepening the strategic partnership, improving the quality and effectiveness of the Chinese College, and strengthening joint development in journalism and communication.