TJU Welcomes Italian Ambassador to China

On January 23, 2014, Mr. Alberto Bradanini, Italian Ambassador to China since January 2013, visited Tianjin University (TJU). The visit was a rare opportunity for TJU students to hear directly from the ambassador about Italy-China relations and up-to date strategies to promote collaboration between the two countries.

TJU President Li Jiajun welcomed the ambassador in the VIP room. President Li indicated that TJU maintained a good relationship with enterprise and was working with French partners in forming a “high-end enterprise club”, in which he hoped Italian enterprises in Tianjin could also participate. Ambassador Bradanini mentioned that, with the blossom of Confucius Institutes in Italy, an increasing number of Italians are interested in learning Chinese. He also hoped that Italian could be increasingly popular in China. In this context both sides highlighted the significance of language and cultural exchange as crucial towards enhancing Italy-China relations. Besides, academic exchange between the two countries, such as student mobility, should also be promoted. They promised to work together in achieving this goal.

During his visit, the ambassador also visited TJU History Museum to learn about the history of TJU and the construction of TJU new campus. Afterwards, he met with TJU students at the Peiyang Lecture, and interacted with students on "China and Italy”. He mentioned that now, the Italian and Chinese governments have identified concrete forms of cooperation in such sectors as urbanization, health, environment, and agriculture aimed at the wellbeing of mankind. He also interacted with students on attracting international students to Italy, investments by Italian enterprises in Tianjin, and so on.