A delegation from the University of Crete, consisting of Professor Maria Vamvakaki, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Research Policy, and Lifelong Learning; Professor Melina Tamiolaki, Vice-Rector for Development, International Relations, and Outreach; and Ms. Evgenia Skountaki, Head of the Welcome Office, visited three prestigious Chinese universities between October 19th and 26th, 2024.

During this visit, the University of Crete delegation aimed to further strengthen these relationships and foster new opportunities for collaboration. The itinerary included meetings at Tsinghua University in Beijing with key academic leaders: Professor Tang Xiaoyang, Dean of International Relations; Professor Shi Zhiqin, Director of the BRI Strategy Institute; and Professor Qi Haixia, Director of the China-Europe Cooperation Research Center. The delegation then proceeded to Shanghai, where they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in a ceremony attended by President Li Yansong. Finally, they visited Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), a longstanding partner of the University of Crete.

These discussions with university leaders and staff from international relations offices were centered on implementing joint initiatives and academic exchanges. A particularly touching highlight was the warm welcome extended by Greek Studies students in Shanghai and Beijing, who expressed a strong interest in visiting Greece and improving their Greek language skills.

Through this visit, the University of Crete reaffirms its commitment to internationalization, contributing to a dynamic network of partnerships and cultural exchanges with top institutions in China.