Southwest University Leads to Establish Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations

Chongqing - On February 20, the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations was officially inaugurated in Athens, the capital of Greece.

On February 20, the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations was officially inaugurated in Athens, the capital of Greece. (Photo/Southwest University)

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan attended the ceremony and read a reply letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to the members of the center's council, noting that the establishment of the center is of great significance in promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning between the two countries.

The idea of establishing the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations was first proposed by President Xi Jinping during his state visit to Greece in 2019. With the support of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, the center was established by Southwest University in China in collaboration with domestic universities, such as Renmin University of China, Shandong University, Sichuan University, and Greek universities, including the University of Athens, the University of Patras, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the University of Crete.

Zhang Weiguo, President of Southwest University, said, "The Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations is the result of years of preparation between the two countries. The center's construction began in the spring of 2020, and Southwest University proposed its establishment in July of that year."

Despite the pandemic, Southwest University overcame various obstacles and sent its first four exchange students to Athens University in October 2020. In 2021, Southwest University completed the certification process by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (DOATAP), clearing the legal barriers to implementing the joint project.

The center will integrate the resources of top universities in China and Greece to build an international platform for talent training, scientific research, and social service, and a high-level think tank platform. The center will also serve as a bridge linking China and Europe, facilitate the Belt and Road Initiative's construction, and build a community with a shared future for humanity. Establishing the center is a significant step towards enhancing cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Greece.

Attendees at the ceremony included China's Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng, Chinese Ambassador to Greece Xiao Junzheng, Greek Deputy Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos, and Zetta Makri, Greek Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs.

On February 20, the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations was officially inaugurated in Athens, the capital of Greece. (Photo/Southwest University)