op officials of Czech Republic - Martin Klepetko, Director of Asia-Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deniel Zara, Member of the Secretariat of the State - attended the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition named “The King and the Travelers: the Story of Marco Polo in CZ and Charlie IV” held on Songjiang Campus of Shanghai International Study University (SISU) on late this April.

SISU University Council Chair Jiang Feng held talks with top representatives of Czech Republic during the visit to emphasize an existing friendly tie between Shanghai and Prague. He said he hopes that both of the two sides will work together to develop SISU’s new major of the Czech language and academic studies in Central and Eastern Europe. 

Jiang also recalled the deep impression left by distinguished Czech musician Dvorak and the music of Smetana in his school life. He appreciated the support of Czech Gonsulate-General in Shanghai in expanding the cooperation between SISU and Czech universities and its great support of developing teaching and academic resources. He said he hops that with the help of general consulate-general and cooperative Czech universities, the newly-established program of Czech language and culture in SISU can enhance the cross-country study and cultural communications in Eastern and Central Europe.

Richard Krpac, Czech’s Consul General in Shanghai, gave a lecture on "Sino-Czech bilateral relations: History and Current Situation" to SISU faculty and students during the opening ceremony.

At the lecture, he also talked about his experiences falling in love with Shanghai. He appreciated Chinese protect of Jews during World War II, adding that Eduo, named "Marco Polo" of Czech Republic, impressed the world 700 years ago with his records about travelling to China. He also pointed out that Czech Republic is one of the earliest countries to establish diplomatic ties with China and bilateral relations have been increasingly mature with substantial cooperation results in all fields.

In the student communication session, SISU students from School of Russian and Eurasian Studies, School of International Relations and Public Affairs, and Honors College discussed a series of issues with Richard Krpac, including the relationship between Czech Republic and European Union, the problem of refugee in Europe, and the communication between Czech and Chinese students.