Shandong University (SDU), the University of Seville (US), and the Chinese International Education Foundation signed an agreement online on July 22 to jointly establish an overseas Chinese language and cultural exchange center at US.

Founded in 1505, US is one of Spain's oldest universities, with outstanding programs covering architecture, engineering, mathematics, medicine, humanities and social sciences.

SDU President Li Shucai, US Rector Carmen Vargas, and Zhao Lingshan, Vice-President and Secretary-General of the Chinese International Education Foundation, participated in the signing ceremony and gave remarks.

Li said the two universities have built a solid foundation for cooperation over the years. He noted that the establishment of the institute represents a new step in expanding collaboration in language education, cultural exchange, international talent development and academic cooperation.

Li hopes that the institute will serve as a platform to foster mutual understanding between Chinese and Spanish civilizations and establish a model for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Vargas said the Chinese language institute at US will serve as a bridge for dialogue among different civilizations. She expressed expectations for deeper cooperation in education, science and technology, and culture.

The agreement was signed by Li, Vargas and Zhao during the ceremony. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Spain also attended the event.

Representatives from Shandong University attend the online signing ceremony with the University of Seville via video link. [Photo/Shandong University]