site.bta55 Chinese and 20 Bulgarian Universities Attend Rectors' Forum Boosting Academic Cooperation

A Bulgarian-Chinese Forum of Rectors for Cooperation and Exchange took place at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia on Monday. Representatives of 55 Chinese and 20 Bulgarian universities attended, with some Bulgarian universities signing memorandums of cooperation with their Chinese counterparts.

The forum was organized with the support of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and in collaboration with the China Education Association for International Exchange.

Honorary guests included Deputy Education and Science Minister Nikolay Vitanov and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bulgaria, Dai Qingli.

"Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China, it is of particular importance that this forum focuses on the exchange of students, faculty, and educational practices," UNWE Rector Dimitar Dimitrov said. He noted that UNWE collaborates with six Chinese universities. During the event, the university signed four memorandums of cooperation.

"The Ministry of Education and Science has maintained diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China for 75 years, and since then, the two countries have sustained good relations and partnerships in the fields of economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, culture, and education," Deputy Education Minister  Nikolay Vitanov said. He underscored the cooperation agreement signed between the two countries' education ministries on June 23, 2020.

"The successful organization of today's event highlights the close cooperation between the two countries in the field of education and their shared vision for deepening educational exchange and development", Ambassador Qingli said. "Bulgaria is an important partner for China in Central and Eastern Europe. In recent years, universities in both countries have deepened their cooperation and actively promoted various projects, such as academic exchanges, joint scientific research, and mutual visits by faculty and students, which bring new vitality to the development of education," she added.

Fu Bo, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange, said, "Strengthening pragmatic cooperation between China and Bulgaria in education, science, technology, and talent will not only help improve the quality and level of higher education in both countries but also promote their development in the fields of economy, culture, science, and technology. We look forward to deeper collaboration with Bulgarian higher education institutions in the following three areas: academic exchange between faculty and students, promotion of joint high-level talent training, and advancement of education digitalization."