hanghai International Studies University (SISU) President Li Yansong headed a delegation to six universities in Japan and Morocco from November 19 to 27, including Waseda University, Kyoto University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Hitotsubashi University, as well as University of Hassan II Casablanca and Group ISCAE.

During the visit, President Li also participated in an international seminar on Sino-Morocco cooperation along Silk Roads and the council meeting of the Confucius Institute of University of Hassan II Casablanca Ain Chok.

The main purpose of His visit to Japan was to evaluate the scholarship program founded by Bai Xian Asia Institute in Waseda University, Kyoto University and Hitotsubashi University. During the assessment, President Li extensively changed views and students and teachers of various schools, conducted in-depth investigations into the experiences of well-known Japanese universities in personnel training, discipline construction and internationalization in running schools and negotiated with leaders in Waseda University and Kyoto University on promoting teaching and research cooperation.

After leaving Japan, President Li and delegation visited Group ISCAE in Morocco. Authorities of both sides held a conversation on cooperation in the field of business administration and Sinology. They also reached an agreement on signing a memorandum of cooperation and launching the students exchange and Chinese teaching program.

President Li then visited University of Hassan II Casablanca. He participated in the opening ceremony of the third term of “The Both Ends of the Silk Road: China and Morocco” international seminar in Nov. 24 and delievered a speech. The ceremony were also joined by Li Li, Chinese Ambassador to Morocco; Idris Mansour, President of University of Hassan II Casablanca. After the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Morocco and Idris Mansour, together with President Li, were interviewed by RTM, the Moroccan state television.

The senimar, as an influential project in the research of “Belt and Road”, takes place in alternate year in SISU and University of Hassan II Casablanca. President Li hoped that more comprehensive and lasting cooperation between both universities would enhance the relationship as a strategic partnership model.

Several leaders attended the subsequent meeting of the Council of Confucius Institute, including Mansoor, the head minister of Hassan II University; Erzu, the vice president of Institute of International Affairs; Yan Tingguo, the foreign president of the Council of Confucius Institute; Li Yansong, Zhang Xuemei, Wang Youyong, Zhang Hongling from SISU. The two presidents highly appraised the achievements of Confucius Institute under the leadership of the two presidents of the Confucius Institute. They hoped the Confucius Institute could continually play a role in promoting the communication between China and Morocco.

Another purpose of Li’s trip was to build “The Research Institution of China and Morocco”. Li started with the background and significance of the Research Institution. He noted that Hassan II University had stable relationships with SISU. This institution would not only build good relationships between two schools’ collaboration, but also be friendly to respond to The Belt and Road ". Mansoor agreed with Li’s proposal and looked forward to change the institution into a high-end platform.

In Morocco, Li had conversations with students, asking about their study, work and life. He encourageed them to spread Chinese culture, and reminded them of their personal safety abroad.