From November 21 to 28, Shenglei Fu, vice president of Henan University (HENU), led a delegation to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Spain, together with the Ministry of Education delegation. They also visited the Complutense University of Madrid, the European University of Madrid, the University of Pompeu Fabra, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and the University of Barcelona for exchanges. They went to Qatar to attend the 2023 Annual Conference of the International Association of Universities, which was held under the theme of “The Impact of Higher Education: The Importance of Intercultural Learning and Dialogue”.

On November 21, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Spain and met the Chinese Ambassador Jing Yao and the Education Counselor Weimin Zhao. Ambassador Jing Yao pointed out that 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Spain. He hoped that the visit would further strengthen cooperation and exchanges between universities in China and Spain.

Ambassador Jing Yao received the delegation and met with the delegation leader Yang Li.

The delegation took a group photo with Weimin Zhao, the Education Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Spain, and relevant staff.

On the same day, the delegation visited the Complutense University of Madrid, where they were warmly received by Maria del Rosario Cristobal Roncero, vice chancellor of the University, and Lola Prieto, director of the International Relations Office. Yang Li, deputy director of the Academic Exchange and Research Department of the China Education Association for International Exchange, introduced the basic situation of the universities of the delegation members. He expressed great expectations for cooperation between universities in the two countries in terms of teacher and student exchanges, scientific research cooperation, and cooperative education. Maria del Rosario Cristobal Roncero spoke highly of Yang Li’s vision for cooperation between universities in the two countries. He emphasized that the Complutense University of Madrid has always attached great importance to cooperation with Chinese universities and that the Complutense University of Madrid would continue to work with Chinese universities to jointly promote higher education and cultural exchanges between China and the West.

The delegation took a group photo with Maria del Rosario Cristobal Roncero, vice chancellor of the Complutense University of Madrid, and relevant staff.

On the morning of November 22, the delegation visited the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Spain and had discussions with Joana Lloret, director of the Foreign Teacher Visiting Program. Joana Lloret indicated that the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training has been attaching great importance to cooperation and exchanges with China and has established the Cervantes Institute in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities, having established a good foundation for cooperation with Chinese universities in Spanish and Spanish cultural studies. Representatives at the Conference introduced their universities in terms of the current situation and international exchanges and expressed that they would like to promote inter-school exchanges and cooperation in student exchanges, summer programs, and teacher visits.

The delegation took a group photo with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.

On the afternoon of November 22, the delegation visited the European University of Madrid and had in-depth exchanges with Marisa Sáenz, the chancellor of the University. Shenglei Fu introduced the basic situation and disciplinary advantages of Henan University. He emphasized that the European University of Madrid upheld the same concept as Henan University - a pursuit of excellence and unity. He said that Henan University has built an International Soccer Academy. He hoped that the two universities could carry out cooperation in teacher exchanges, student exchanges, co-construction of courses, and joint school-running. He also wished that Henan University would introduce high-quality football teaching resources from the European University of Madrid and work to promote the long-term development of football education.

Vice President Shenglei Fu lectured at the European University of Madrid on the history, disciplines and internationalization of Henan University.

From November 23 to 24, the delegation visited the University of Pompeu Fabra, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and the University of Barcelona in Spain. The two sides shared opinions on the research and development of science, engineering, agriculture, and medicine in China and Spain and on educational innovation practices to jointly promote student exchanges, scholar exchanges, and the cultivation of high-level talents between universities in the two countries.

The delegation took a group photo with Helena Ramalhinho Dias, vice chancellor of the University of Pompeu Fabra and relevant staff.

The delegation took a group photo with Montserrat Pardas, vice chancellor of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

Vice President Shenglei Fu introduced Henan University about the motto and the history of its gate to Raul Ramous, vice chancellor of the University of Barcelona.

From November 26 to 27, the delegation participated in the 2023 Annual Conference of the International Association of Universities held in Qatar, where they exchanged views on topics like “The Imperative of Cross-Cultural Development in a Deglobalized World.”

Vice President Shenglei Fu led a team attending the 2023 Annual Conference of the International Association of Universities.

Vice President Shenglei Fu spoke at the 2023 Annual Conference of the International Association of Universities.

At the closing ceremony, Professor Shenglei Fu delivered a speech on behalf of the delegation. He indicated that, first of all, it is necessary to strengthen cross-cultural cooperation and academic exchanges among countries, especially those countries and regions joining the Belt and Road Initiative. Secondly, the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) is a good concept and initiative. Since international frictions have led to poverty and environmental pollution in some areas, “Zero War” should be proposed and emphasized in the SDGs. Finally, he expressed his sincere invitation to universities around the world to build academic exchanges and international cooperation with Chinese universities. He hoped that the annual conference of the International Association of Universities could be held at Henan University in the future.