From January 27 to 30, Chen Jun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Executive Vice President of Nankai University, led a delegation to Saudi Arabia, where they met with local universities and research institutions and held discussions on deepening bilateral cooperation in education and science and technology, as well as cultural exchanges.

During the trip, the delegation visited Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where they held exchanges with university administrators, renowned professors, representatives of government agencies, and researchers, presented Nankai University’s recent achievements in scientific research, talent cultivation, and international academic programs, and held extensive and constructive talks. This visit achieved substantive results.

At Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Chen Jun signed a framework agreement on exchange with Farah Al-Askar, Vice Rector of the university. Based on the agreement, the two sides will develop comprehensive cooperation covering research collaboration, faculty and student visits, and student exchanges. During the meeting, Chen Jun stated that Nankai University attaches great importance to practical cooperation with leading Saudi Arabian universities under the Belt and Road Initiative, and expressed hope that the two universities would continue to expand areas of cooperation and enhance the scope and depth of their collaboration. Al-Askar warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed hope that the two universities would promote exchanges and cooperation in relevant fields to jointly support Saudi Vision 2030. The two sides also held in-depth discussions on graduate cultivation, joint research, and Chinese language education.

At the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, the delegation received a warm welcome from Dr. Raed Sharif, Minister of Energy, and his team. Chen Jun gave a detailed introduction to Nankai University’s long history, disciplinary strengths, talent cultivation, and the latest achievements in scientific research, and expressed hope to promote practical cooperation that will contribute to scientific and technological innovation and economic development in both China and Saudi Arabia. Sharif highly praised Nankai University’s achievements, outlined the city’s initiatives to implement Saudi Vision 2030, and expressed hope that the two sides would establish research cooperation and jointly explore ways to translate the latest research findings into practical applications.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Ma Jian, Minister-Counselor and Charge D'affaires Ad Interim at the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and briefed him on the recent international engagement of Nankai University. Ma Jian highly praised the university’s efforts to deepen collaboration with Saudi Arabian universities and research institutions, and expressed hope that Nankai University would further deepen cooperation and actively serve as a bridge, thereby contributing to the development of China–Saudi Arabia relations and the friendship between the two peoples.

The visit marks another step in Nankai University’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with leading Saudi Arabian higher-education and research institutions under the Belt and Road Initiative. It identified priority directions, including establishing joint research centers and launching joint programs for high-level talent development, significantly expanding the university’s cooperation with Saudi Arabian higher-education and research institutions and further strengthening its international exchange and collaboration network.

（Edited and translated by Nankai News Team.)