2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Türkiye-China diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership. To thoroughly implement the Global Civilization Initiative and advance high-quality "Belt and Road" education cooperation, Tan Tieniu, Chair of Nanjing University CPC Council and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led a delegation to visit Türkiye, Hungary, and Greece from August 30 to September 5. This visit is the first time a university leader from NJU led a delegation to visit the three countries, aiming to serve the national diplomatic agenda, connect with the "China-CEEC Cooperation" mechanism, and pragmatically develop high-level scientific and educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between NJU and West Asia, Central, and Eastern Europe, further expanding the university's global cooperation network.
During the visit, the delegation visited 10 universities and research institutions, including Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN), the University of Athens, and the Greek Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos". They also visited the Türkiye-China Cultural Association, the Chinese-Hungarian Bilingual School, the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Xinhua News Agency Athens Branch for research and discussions. Focusing on key areas such as scientific research collaboration, youth exchange, and mutual learning among civilizations, the delegation reached multiple cooperation consensuses and achieved a series of pragmatic results, expanding new space for NJU to deeply participate in global education governance and enhance international academic influence.
Expanding Science and Education Cooperation between China and Türkiye, Building a Diverse Exchange Platform
On the morning of August 31, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited Sabancı University, held talks with Vice President Cem Güneri, and exchanged cooperation memorandums between the two universities. Tan Tieniu introduced the characteristics and advantageous disciplines of Nanjing University, focusing on undergraduate education reform, the general curriculum system of artificial intelligence, and the disciplinary layout of the four campuses. He expressed hope to further advance research collaboration and talent cultivation cooperation as both universities are members of the Global Humanities Alliance with high discipline compatibility and broad cooperation space. Güneri highly agreed and introduced Sabancı University's explorations in interdisciplinary research and international education, expecting both sides to quickly form pragmatic cooperation results in common areas of concern. Later that day, Tan Tieniu and his delegation met Sabancı University President Yusuf Leblebici at the airport, who returned from Ankara. Both sides exchanged views on deepening the partnership, unanimously agreeing to focus on global humanities, nanomaterials, and energy research, promote faculty and student exchanges, jointly hold academic forums, and push collaboration to greater depth and breadth.
Tan Tieniu and Cem Güneri exchange cooperation memorandum.
Tan Tieniu meets with Yusuf Leblebici.
That afternoon, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited ITU, held working talks with President Hasan Mandal and two vice presidents. Tan Tieniu introduced NJU's historical evolution, the disciplinary layout of the four campuses, particularly its advantages in earth sciences and artificial intelligence fields. He suggested that since this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the Türkiye-China diplomatic relations, both universities should jointly establish a model for higher education cooperation between the two countries, carrying out pragmatic cooperation on themes such as new energy, climate change, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence application and governance, establishing a multi-domain cooperation mechanism between Jiangsu and Turkish universities. Mandal introduced the university's engineering advantages and cooperation experience with Chinese universities and research institutions, expressing hope to establish a stable partnership with NJU, participate in the "Deep-time Digital Earth" international mega-science program, promote mutual visits of young researchers, integrate existing China cooperation, and jointly build a China-Turkiye university dialogue platform. After the talks, the delegation visited the university's Synthetic Fuel Laboratory, Hydrogen Energy, and Advanced Energy Storage Laboratory.
The delegation exchanges with ITU President Hasan Mandal and colleagues.
On September 1, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited Middle East Technical University (METU), met with Vice President Ender Ciğeroğlu, and visited the Robotics and AI Technologies Application and Research Center (ROMER). Tan Tieniu introduced the disciplinary layout of NJU's four campuses, the new engineering construction, and international development achievements, as well as its advantages in artificial intelligence theory and application, the general curriculum system of artificial intelligence, and earth sciences, environment, and new energy research. Ciğeroğlu introduced METU's research platforms in aerospace, solar energy, biomaterials, marine sciences, and international campus construction, and university science parks. Both sides agreed to promote research cooperation through seed funds and will sign a cooperation memorandum and student exchange agreement soon, connecting with Türkiye's artificial intelligence strategic talent plan, exploring joint education programs in artificial intelligence and new energy fields.
The delegation meets with METU Vice President Ender Ciğeroğlu and colleagues.
Tan Tieniu visits the ROMER, METU.
That afternoon, Tan Tieniu led the delegation to visit Bilkent University, held talks with President Orhan Aytür and two vice presidents, and visited the National Nanotechnology Research Center of Turkiye. Both sides exchanged views on cooperation in sustainable development and humanities, reached consensus on promoting the signing of inter-university cooperation agreements, and faculty and student exchanges in fields such as new energy, environmental science, and theater, film and television literature.
The delegation holds discussions with Bilkent University President Orhan Aytür and colleagues.
Tan Tieniu presents souvenirs to Orhan Aytür.
Focusing on China-Hungary Collaborative Development, Advancing Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation and Youth Exchange
On the afternoon of September 2, after arriving in Budapest, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited Eötvös Loránd University and held talks with the university's Vice President for International Affairs, Professor Gábor Zemplén. Tan Tieniu introduced the history of NJU, its international development achievements, and its disciplinary advantages in computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental science, ancient Chinese literature, and comparative literature studies. He stated that both universities have similar disciplinary layouts and share a common vision for international development. He hopes to promote faculty and student exchanges through channels such as international visiting scholar programs, student exchange projects, and seed funds. Zemplén emphasized the balanced disciplinary layout of Eötvös Loránd University in arts and sciences, and its program construction in computer science and artificial intelligence, expressing that the university highly values cooperation with Chinese institutions and hopes to establish a partnership with NJU to promote youth exchanges between China and Hungary. Both sides agreed to sign an inter-university cooperation agreement soon, establishing regular faculty and student exchange mechanisms focusing on AI program construction, sustainable development research, and comparative studies in Chinese and Hungarian classical literature.
The delegation Visits Eötvös Loránd University.
That afternoon, the delegation also visited the BYD European Headquarters and held discussions with the management team. Tan Tieniu expressed that NJU has outstanding research capabilities in the fields of new energy and artificial intelligence, and looks forward to deepening collaboration between academia and industry. Zhao Xingshuang, Director of Human Resources at BYD Europe, introduced the industrial layout and talent reserve plan of BYD in Hungary. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as intelligent manufacturing of new energy vehicles and overseas training of excellent engineers, and agreed to collaborate with local Hungarian universities to build a trilateral industry-academia cooperative education platform.
The delegation visits BYD European Headquarters.
On the morning of September 3, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited BME, met with President Professor Hassan Charaf and two vice presidents, and signed an inter-university cooperation memorandum. Tan Tieniu highlighted NJU's recent advancements in the new engineering setup in fields such as energy, intelligent science, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical engineering. He expressed that China and Hungary have established a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for a New Era" and expects the two universities to take the signing of the inter-university cooperation agreement as a starting point to deepen research cooperation in fields such as environmental science and technology, new energy, and advanced manufacturing, especially enhancing industry-university-research collaboration to serve the overall development of friendly relations between both countries with practical results. Charaf introduced BME's strong foundation in engineering disciplines and experience in leading EU research projects, stating that the university is committed to developing partnerships with China's top universities and hopes to conduct comprehensive cooperation with NJU in shared advantageous disciplines, implementing specific collaborations through projects like "Erasmus+" and the universities' seed funds.
Tan Tieniu and Hassan Charaf sign cooperation memorandum.
Subsequently, the delegation visited the Chinese-Hungarian Bilingual School, held talks with Hungarian Principal Zsuzsanna Erdélyi, and warmly interacted with student representatives. Tan Tieniu highly praised the school's positive contributions to enhancing China-Hungary friendship and promoting Chinese culture and sincerely welcomed students from the School to study at NJU. Erdélyi introduced the school's history and characteristics, thanked NJU for previously hosting the school's students for exchanges and study in Jiangsu and shared the good news that some of the school's students had been admitted to NJU. She expressed that more outstanding students would be encouraged to choose NJU for their studies in the future.
The delegation meets with the Principal and student representatives of the Chinese-Hungarian Bilingual School.
On the afternoon of September 3, the delegation visited the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) and held talks with Chairman Professor Balázs Gulyás and Chief Executive Officer Roland Jakab. Tan Tieniu introduced NJU's research layout, construction of new engineering discipline, and international development outcomes, suggesting both sides strengthen deep cooperation under the framework of the "Deep-time Digital Earth" mega-science program and expand cooperation to areas like artificial intelligence, energy, and environment, promoting comprehensive cooperation through joint seed funds. Gulyás introduced the overall research layout of the HUN-REN, highly affirming the good cooperation foundation between the two sides in earth sciences, hoping to soon initiate seed fund cooperation, promote mutual visits of researchers, jointly hold academic seminars, and explore joint applications for major EU research projects.
The delegation exchanges with colleagues of the HUN-REN.
Practicing the Global Civilization Initiative and Expanding New Horizons for China-Greece Science and Education Cooperation
On the morning of September 4, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and held talks with Vice President for Research, Professor Manos Varvarigos, and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Thanasis Zisis. Tan Tieniu pointed out that NJU has continuously strengthened its construction of artificial intelligence and related disciplines in recent years. Its disciplinary layout in intelligent science and advanced manufacturing highly aligns with that of the NTUA. He proposed that the two universities take the lead in deepening the industry-academia-research exchange mechanism between Jiangsu Province and Greece, establish stable cooperation channels focused on artificial intelligence applications and governance, and promote Greek students' exchanges and studies at NJU through the Youth Envoy Scholarship Program (YES Project). Varvarigos introduced NUTA's strategic layout and key advancements in artificial intelligence over the years. He noted that the university is deeply involved in the construction of Greece's national AI infrastructure, the "Pharos Project," and expressed hopes to work together with NJU to promote research and development in artificial intelligence-related fields.
The delegation meets with Vice Presidents and scholars from the NUTA.
Afterward, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited the University of Athens and met with Vice President for Academic and International Relations, Professor Sophia Papaioannou. Tan Tieniu thanked the University of Athens for supporting Nanjing University's Minyue Orchestra in holding a special concert for "International Chinese Language Day" on its campus in April this year. He stated that both China and Greece, as ancient countries with long-standing civilizations, share similar disciplinary advantages in philosophy, classical literature, and history. He looked forward to collaborating with the University of Athens to facilitate dialogues on classical civilizations between China and Greece, actively participate in the World Congress of Classical Studies, and build interdisciplinary exchange channels in the humanities and social sciences. Papaioannou said that as the oldest university in Greece, the University of Athens has long been dedicated to research on classical civilizations and hopes to contribute to cultural exchanges between the two universities and countries through faculty and student exchange programs as well as research collaborations. The two sides also discussed detailed topics related to scientific research cooperation in earth sciences, especially the University of Athens joining the "Deep-time Digital Earth" international mega-science program.
The delegation holds talks with the Vice President and Scholars from the University of Athens.
In the afternoon, Tan Tieniu and his delegation visited the the Greek Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos" and held academic exchanges with George Paliouras, Executive Director of the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, as well as representatives of scholars from the Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences, Technology, Energy, and Safety (INRASTES). Both sides conducted in-depth discussions on frontier topics such as artificial intelligence and large model governance, digital humanities and AI restoration of ancient sites, solar energy, and environmental technologies. They reached a consensus on deepening cooperation under the "Lyceum Project" of the National Center for Scientific Research in AI ethics and governance, as well as advancing joint research in energy studies, environmental technologies, and climate change.
The delegation meets with Representatives of the Greek Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos".
One of the key stops of this visit was the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens. On the afternoon of September 4, Tan Tieniu and his delegation held talks with Wang Lan, Secretary of the School's Party Branch; and Li Xinwei, the Director of the School, during which they exchanged cooperation memorandums. Tan Tieniu emphasized that the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens serves as an important overseas platform for implementing the Global Civilization Initiative and promoting the equal dialogue and mutual learning between the two ancient civilizations of China and Greece. He stated that NJU's visit to Greece aims to serve national interests, facilitate humanistic exchanges through higher education collaboration, and introduced the university's achievements in the "International Civilization Laboratory Consortium." He pointed out that the two sides have extensive cooperation space in fields such as cultural heritage protection, scientific archaeology, and AI-enabled advancements in philosophy and social sciences. Wang Lan expressed hopes that both parties would rely on the platform of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens to implement the essential messages conveyed in President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter to the World Congress of Classical Studies and make pragmatic contributions to deepening China-Greece civilization dialogues.
The delegation exchanges with colleagues from the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens.
Tan Tieniu exchanges cooperation memorandums with Li Xinwei.
During the visit, Tan Tieniu also held working meetings with Zhou Zheng, Charge d'Affaires and Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Türkiye; Wei Xiaodong, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Istanbul; and Zhang Gang, Charge d'Affaires and Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Greece. At the invitation of the Chinese Embassy in Türkiye, Tan Tieniu delivered a special lecture titled "Fundamental Trends in Artificial Intelligence Development." The delegation also made special visits to the Türkiye-China Cultural Association and the Xinhua News Agency Athens Branch, engaging in deep exchanges on topics such as building the "Study at NJU" brand, enhancing international communication capabilities, and promoting China-Greece mutual learning of civilizations. They actively showcased the unique characteristics of NJU and its achievements in internationalization, contributing to improving the global influence of Chinese higher education.
The delegation meets with Chen Gang, Director of Xinhua News Agency Athens Branch.
Tan Tieniu visits Türkiye-China Cultural Association.
Tan Tieniu delivers a special lecture at the Chinese Embassy in Türkiye.
Accompanying the visit were officials and representatives from the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, the School of Environment, and the International Affairs Office.
