From June 2 to 3, Zeng Ying, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of CDUT, led a delegation to participate in the "Charming Sichuan" Asia-Africa Higher Education Exhibition. The delegation visited Istanbul Technical University, Okan University Confucius Institute, and Istanbul University in Turkey for educational exchanges. This visit, as part of the Sichuan Provincial Higher Education Delegation's trip, aligns with the Sichuan Provincial Committee and provincial government's key initiative to promote open development and aims to strengthen technological and educational cooperation between universities in both countries.
On the morning of June 3, Zeng Ying, along with the Sichuan Higher Education Delegation, met with Şule Itır Satoğlu, Vice President of Istanbul Technical University, to discuss promoting collaboration in scientific research and joint student training. The meeting was attended by Fatih Ortakcı, head of Office of International Affairs at Istanbul Technical University, and Professor Tolga Görüm from the Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences.
Discussion on educational cooperation during the meeting
Zeng Ying delivers a speech
During the discussions, Zeng Ying expressed her gratitude for the warm reception by Istanbul Technical University and highlighted CDUT's key achievements and international cooperation efforts. She emphasized that both Turkey and Sichuan are situated on the Eurasian seismic belt and face significant challenges in earthquake and geological disaster prevention. The two universities have maintained long-term scientific cooperation in geological disaster research, which has supported recent emergency response and recovery efforts from major earthquakes in both countries. She expressed the hope that the two universities would continue to build on their mutual trust and friendship, expanding their collaboration in establishing joint laboratories, translating scientific research outcomes, and talent cultivation, thereby contributing to the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Şule Itır Satoğlu welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of Istanbul Technical University (ITU). As one of Turkey's oldest and most prestigious engineering and technology universities, ITU's history dates back to 1773. According to the QS World University Rankings, ITU consistently ranks among the top 400 universities globally, with its engineering and technology programs ranked 130th, making it highly regarded in Europe for engineering sciences. She emphasized that CDUT and ITU have a strong foundation for cooperation. Moving forward, the two universities will focus on their strengths in earth sciences and engineering technology, further deepening their collaboration in scientific research, faculty and student exchanges, and talent cultivation. They aim to promote the signing of a memorandum of understanding to foster mutual exchange, collaborative development, and shared growth.
After the meeting, Şule Itır Satoğlu accompanied Zeng Ying and the delegation on a tour of ITU's museum and laboratories.
Group photo of both parties’ leadership
On the afternoon of June 3, the Sichuan Higher Education Delegation hosted the "Charming Sichuan" Higher Education Exhibition at Istanbul University. Zeng Ying, Vice President of CDUT, along with her delegation, met with Gülsüm Ak, Vice President of Istanbul University; Eyüp, head of the Chinese Language and Literature; and officials from the Sino-Turkish Cultural Center. They introduced CDUT's educational features, key disciplines, and international education programs to over 200 teachers and students from Istanbul University and six other Turkish higher education institutions, as well as local high schools. The event was lively and interactive, with Turkish students showing great interest in CDUT, asking numerous questions, and expressing a strong desire to study and participate in exchange programs at CDUT.
CDUT booth answering student inquiries
The successful visit and education exhibition significantly strengthened the ties between CDUT and Turkish universities, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation in scientific research, faculty and student exchanges, and talent cultivation. Moving forward, CDUT will continue to promote and refine educational and scientific collaborations with Turkish universities, further enhancing CDUT's international influence.
