To further promote the in-depth understanding and exchanges between Liaoning University and high-level universities in Europe, and to boost the cooperation in deeper fields of education with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, Professor Pan Yishan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Secretary of the Party Committee of Liaoning University, and his delegation were invited to visit the National and Capodistrian University of Athens and the National Technical University of Athens in Greece from September 11 to 13, 2024. The delegation aimed to explore new cooperative opportunities between the two countries and deepen exchanges and cooperation in the field of education and scientific research between China and Greece. The visit was accompanied by Ma Shuang, Director of the Office of International Affairs, and Song Peng, Director of the Academic Affairs Office.

Established in 1837, the National and Capodistrian University of Athens is the oldest university in Greece and the highest academic institution in the entire Greek academic community. Pan Yishan and his delegation were warmly received by Sophia Papaioannou, the Vice-Rector of the National and Capodistrian University of Athens. During the talks, Pan Yishan and Sophia introduced the strengths and development of their respective universities, and both agreed that there is considerable potential for collaborative exchanges between the two institutions in the fields of humanities and pure sciences. They particularly identified matching disciplines in areas such as philosophy, history, archaeology, law, art, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and pharmacy.

Pan Yishan conducted a field visit to the Faculty of Philosophy at the National and Capodistrian University of Athens and had an in-depth exchange with Professor Dimitrios Drosos, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy. The Faculty of Philosophy at the National and Capodistrian University of Athens has a long history and a vast system, supported by its own library, 24 laboratories, and five museums, making it the largest faculty of philosophy in Europe. Both parties agreed to strengthen communication and deepen cooperation, promoting mutual learning and common progress between the two universities. Additionally, Pan Yishan and his delegation visited and inspected other infrastructures of the National and Capodistrian University of Athens, including the main campus and the Law School library.

The meeting on collaboration.

Pan Yishan and Sophia Papaioannou exchanging gifts.

Pan Yishan and Dimitrios Drosos exchanging gifts.

The delegation visiting the main campus of the National and Capodistrian University of Athens.

The second university visited by the Liaoning University delegation in Greece was the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). This university ranks among the top 350 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, making it one of the top 2% of high-level universities in the world. Athanasios Zisis, the Vice Rector of NTUA, warmly welcomed Pan Yishan and his delegation on behalf of the university. Both parties introduced their respective strengths in academic disciplines and discussed future cooperation between the two universities.

Pan Yishan and Athanasios Zisis exchanging gifts.

The group photo with leaders and teachers from the National Technical University of Athens.

Pan Yishan visiting the Mining Museum of the National Technical University of Athens.

Pan Yishan and his delegation also visited the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Greece and were warmly welcomed by Ambassador Xiao Junzheng. They discussed topics of mutual concern such as national scientific and technological development, educational openness, and the revitalization of Northeast China. Subsequently, Pan Yishan and the diplomats at the embassy had a lively discussion on issues of common concern to China and other countries around the world, such as climate change and green development.

Ambassador Xiao Junzheng of the Chinese Embassy to Greece meeting with the delegation.

The delegation’s visit marks the first time Liaoning University has visited Greece, laying the foundation for educational and scientific research cooperation between the university and Greek institutions. This visit is of symbolic significance, as it not only advances the substantive cooperation process between Liaoning University and two Greek universities but also enhances mutual understanding and trust between the two ancient civilizations.