Events

Belarus, China sign agreement to establish association of universities

MINSK, 21 November (BelTA) - An agreement to establish the China-Belarus Association of Universities has been signed in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

The National Library is hosting the 1st Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Belarus and China. The plenary session was attended by First Deputy Education Minister Aleksandr Bakhanovich and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Xie Xiaoyong. “Today we have witnessed a historic event without exaggeration. This is one of the greatest examples of the implementation of the agreement reached by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the state visit of the Belarusian head of state to China this year. Those more than 560 direct university agreements have now taken a new shape of quality, because the establishment of the association is really a new qualitative level of our relations in education, scientific research, commercialization of our scientific research,” Aleksandr Bakhanovich said.

In his words, the establishment of the association will serve for the benefit of the economies of the two countries and the development of friendship. “Through the education sector we get to know each other better, our traditions, culture, languages, it really strengthens our friendship. So indeed the association is beyond any doubt the most important stage in the development of our relations. I am convinced that the results of its work will not be long in coming. Now the work is underway to prepare a plan of flagship projects between the universities for signing. In July, this plan had 35 items. Now there are more than 70 items there. We will soon sign this plan at the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission on education as part of the intergovernmental committee to be held in China. This means new joint educational programs, and training of scientific personnel, and most importantly, the development of joint associations of universities with high-tech enterprises of our countries, which will order research, development and commercialization for the economy,” the first deputy minister said.

More than 80 universities of Belarus and China have joined the association. The plenary session was attended by rectors of universities of both countries. The forum will continue with breakout sessions, university visits and bilateral meetings.

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