Greek, Chinese universities ink cooperation protocols to strengthen ties

Officials and representatives of universities from Greece and China on Tuesday signed a series of bilateral cooperation protocols among educational institutes.

In the largest such event held in the Greek capital since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Greece and China four decades ago, 66 representatives of 30 Chinese universities participated in a symposium on higher education and research cooperation between the two countries at the premises of the Athens Technological Educational Institute (TEI).

Athens TEI President Michalis Bratakos expressed hope that the agreements will become the pillars of a strong future cooperation between the academic communities of Greece and China.

Under the agreements, Greek and Chinese universities will focus on people-to-people exchanges and joint research and development programs.

"The message we wish to convey to our Chinese colleagues is let's have exchanges of teachers and students and create joint educational programs, such as distance learning courses. Let's deepen cooperation in post graduate studies and in research which will generate revenues for the universities," Bratakos said.

"The most significant element today is to give hope," Yannis Pantis, General Secretary of the Education Ministry, said.

Building communication bridges between universities and youth is the way forward to give hope of a better future to societies, he added.

"Investment in higher education is investment in the future," Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli underlined during his speech, voicing confidence that bilateral collaboration in this field and all levels will further flourish.

The new signed agreements will help promote cooperation in a more systematic manner to the benefit of Greece, China and the world, according to officials. Endit