Source: School of International Studies
Written by: Zeng Ji
Proofread by: Ian Heuer
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

From May 22nd to 26th, 2016, a delegation from Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) visited Israel at the joint invitation of the University’s partners in Israel. The delegation was headed by Prof. Chen Chunsheng, Secretary of the SYSU Party Committee, and consisted of Professor Feng Dawen, Director of the Institute of Comparative Religion Studies, Professor Chang Chenguang, Acting Dean of the School of International Studies (SIS), Professor Wang Bin, Academic Advisor of SIS, and Dr. Zengji, Chair of the Department of International Affairs at SIS. This visit was aimed at further strengthening the cooperation between SYSU and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University.

On May 24th, the delegation arrived at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ) and was warmly welcomed by Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson, President of HUJ. During the meeting, President Ben-Sasson and Secretary Chen reviewed the history of cooperation between the two universities and had in-depth discussions on various issues, such as university history, discipline development and plans for further cooperation. Secretary Chen said that as China is implementing the “One Belt and One Road” initiative, and as Israel is such an important country along the Silk Road Economic Belt, SYSU is willing to take this opportunity to move forward the cooperation between SYSU and HUJ and elevate it to a higher level.

President Ben-Sasson expressed admiration for the rapid development of China and the improvement of China’s higher education, and appreciation for the academic reputation and development prospects of SYSU. He pointed out that SYSU is a significant partner for HUJ, and HUJ has always valued the cooperation between the two universities. The two university leaders reached a consensus on promoting cooperation in academic research. They made it clear that the two universities would take effective measures to strengthen academic collaborations, hold symposiums and seminars on specific projects and create more opportunities for faculty members to make two-way visit. They also promised to work out more specific contents within the existing framework of the agreement between SYSU and HUJ, and to set a time table to guarantee the realization of goals. President Ben-Sasson also invited the delegation to observe some priceless manuscripts of Albert Einstein, founder of HUJ, such as the Mission of the University and drafts of “the theory of relativity”.

After the meeting, Secretary Chen and SIS professors visited SIS postgraduates pursuing master’s degrees in Middle Eastern Studies and exchange undergraduates in HUJ. Secretary Chen inquired about their study and life in Israel and delivered warm greetings and encouragements to them.

The delegation also visited Tel Aviv University (TAU) and Bar-Ilan University (BIU) and reached consensus with their representatives on promoting or establishing cooperative relations.

Afterwards, the delegation was invited to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they were warmly received by officials headed by Mr. Hagai Shagrir, Director of the Northeast Asia Division of the Ministry. During the meeting, Secretary Chen said that with implementation of the "One Belt and One Road” initiative, Middle Eastern Studies have become one of the most vigorous and promising fields of area studies. He expressed the willingness of SYSU to intensify the cooperation with universities in Israel and promote academic research in this area. He stressed that as China and Israel are both countries with glorious ancient civilizations and vigorous modern cultures, exchanges in humanities between universities of both sides are of special significance and great value. Mr. Hagai Shagrir appreciated the efforts made by SYSU in pioneering the “Israeli Studies” program and promoting exchanges between China and Israel.