China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative saw a BUU delegation, led by Party Secretary Chu Guoqing, visit Serbia and Montenegro universities in November on a mission to increase cooperation between the countries.

The delegation visited the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) in Montenegro, including BUU’s Confucius Classroom, the National Tourism Organization of Serbia, the University of Novi Sad, the Singidunum University, and the University of Nis.

At the UDG, the delegation met with Rector Veselin Vukotic. Chu Guoqing reviewed the history of cooperation between the two institutions. “Since 2016, our two universities jointly initiated the establishment of the ‘China-CEEC Tourism Education Alliance’ and worked together to continuously promote educational and cultural exchanges and cooperation between our two countries,” he said.

Meeting with UDG Rector Veselin Vukotic

“Beijing Union University has consistently adhered to the guidance of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative to lead the international development of the university actively. It actively explores opportunities along the ‘Belt and Road,’ transforming international exchanges and cooperation into a new driving force for the high-quality development of the university.”

Rector Veselin Vukotic warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed the hope that through this visit, cooperation between the two universities could be further expanded. “We want to see more students visit both Montenegro and China,” he said. During the visit to UDG, the delegation held talks with university officials on cooperation in cultural, tourism, arts, and sports-related fields.

After the meeting, the delegation visited the teaching facilities of the Confucius Classroom and an exhibition of students' works. They were also invited to attend UDG’s anniversary celebration and graduation ceremony.

Meeting with Officials of Relevant Colleges and Majors at the UDG

Meeting with the Foreign Project Team of the Confucius Classroom at UDG

Visit to the teachers and students of the Confucius Classroom at UDG

Group photo with teachers and students of Confucius Classroom at UDG

In Serbia, at the University of Novi Sad, Chu Guoqing and the delegation met with the university's representatives to discuss cooperation in establishing an art research institute, research collaboration, the ‘2+2’ degree program for Chinese students, exchange programs, and joint training of master's and doctoral students. A cooperation agreement between the two universities was signed.

At the University of Novi Sad

Discussion with the University of Novi Sad

Signing of a Cooperation Agreement

At the National Tourism Organization of Serbia, Chu Guoqing provided an overview of BUU's recent initiatives related to the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and discussed the prospects of tourism cooperation between China and Serbia. Ms. Aneta Juskokovic, China Market Manager of the National Tourism Organization of Serbia, expressed gratitude for BUU's assistance and support to the Serbian tourism industry.

At the National Tourism Organization of Serbia

Discussion with the National Tourism Organization of Serbia

At the Singidunum University, Chu Guoqing and the delegation discussed cooperation in international tourism journals, the ‘2+2’ degree program, exchange programs, and joint training of doctoral students. A cooperation agreement between the two universities was also signed.

At the Singidunum University

Signing of a Cooperation Agreement

At the Sports College of the University of Nis, discussions were held on high-level sports team training, research collaboration in the field of sports, student and teacher exchanges, and the PhD teacher program.

At the Sports College of the University of Nis

At the Sports College of the University of Nis

The delegation also visited the Kisač Cultural Center in Serbia, engaging in in-depth discussions on the protection, inheritance, and innovation of intangible cultural heritage, as well as the integration of ethnic elements into costume design.

Visite the Kisač Cultural Center in Serbia

Text by Qu Wenchao

Photo by Qu Wenchao and Yang Hongzhi

Edit by Rees-Farrell Peter