On the morning of April 8, a delegation of educators from Colombia, comprising local government officials and representatives from renowned universities and institutions, visited our university. Both sides held in-depth discussions on educational cooperation, academic exchanges, and students and faculty visits, aiming to further strengthen the friendly ties between China and Colombia in the field of education.

At the welcome ceremony, Xu Rui, Deputy Secretary of the University’s Party Committee, extended a warm welcome to the delegation. She introduced the university’s history, disciplinary strengths, and achievements in internationalization. Despite the geographical distance, she highlighted the broad prospects for Sino-Colombian educational cooperation. She also hoped that this visit would pave the way for long-term collaboration in talent development, scientific research, and cultural exchange.

Monica Reinartz Estrada, Head of International Exchange at the National University of Colombia, expressed gratitude the university for its hospitality and praised its accomplishments in education and scientific innovation. She emphasized the Colombian education sector’s strong interest in enhancing cooperation with Chinese universities and looked forward to substantive collaborations in areas like students and faculty exchanges and joint research to foster progress in both nations’education sectors.

Preliminary consensus was reached on specific collaborative items, including joint curriculum development, academic resource sharing, and short-term exchange programs. TUT signed Letters of Intent with three Colombian institutions: the National University of Colombia, the University of Jorge Tadeo Lozano, and the Nueva Granada Military University, laying the groundwork for future cooperation.

During the discussions, Julian, a Colombian graduate student in the AI program (Class of 2024), shared that his study experience in China has reshaped his worldview, revealing how cutting-edge technology and ancient wisdom can complement each other.

The delegation also visited the university’s Woodcarving Museum and the Integrated Sea & Air Laboratory.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. The visit not only enhanced mutual understanding between educators but also injected new vitality into bilateral educational cooperation. Both sides agreed to use this exchange as a starting point to expand collaborative efforts and jointly write a new chapter in Sino-Colombian educational exchanges.