On March 10th, Prof. José María Sanz, rector of the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Prof. Amaya Mendikoetxea, vice-rector for International Relations and Prof. Antonio Cascón, dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Arts visited Peking University. They received a warm welcome from Dr. Li Yansong, vice president of Peking University, Prof. Bu Shan, dean of the PKU department of Spanish and Portuguese Language and Literature，and Dr. Zheng Ruqing, deputy director of PKU’s Office of International Relations. Both sides had a friendly talk in Linhuxuan， concerning further cooperation between the two universities.
Li Yansong highly values bilateral relationships
Li Yansong extended a warm welcome at the beginning of the talk and he added that he had been to the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in 2013, which was quite impressive. Dr. Li said Peking University supported many student exchange programs and faculty communication, and he hoped that this would help promote a better bilateral relationship.
Prof. José María Sanz commented that student exchange programs have created a good opportunity for PKU to know Spain better, and he expressed his gratitude to Peking University.
Both sides talked over the possibility to deepen cooperation
Prof. Amaya Mendikoetxea proposed that they could extend exchanges from only students to include faculty and that with more courses taught in English. Students from PKU were welcomed to study in the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid.
Dr. Li Yansong mentioned that Peking University was making efforts to open more English courses aimed at Chinese students and foreign students as well, and he hoped that some Spanish teachers could come to PKU and open courses here.
Li Yansong proposes cross-cultural conferences
Li Yansong said both sides could organize different workshops and conferences covering hot topics to promote mutual understanding. He mentioned that Peking University had held the Beijing Forum for 11 years, and he hoped that there would be a similar forum in Spain. Dr. Li also referred to an international conference in Guizhou and wished that the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid could join it. “This idea is really interesting. We could put it forward and involve all the people”, said Prof. Amaya Mendikoetxea.
Later, the delegation took a tour around campus accompanied by Prof. Bu Shan and attended meetings with some students.
Written by: Wang Runjian
