Cyprus’ University of Technology (CUT) has signed agreements to strengthen its ties with three Chinese universities during a delegation visit to China, aimed at expanding its collaborations with academic institutions in Asia, the University said in a press release. The delegation also participated in the World Chinese Language Conference held in Beijing between November 15-17.

The University said that a delegation, led by CUT Rector, Professor Panayiotis Zaphiris, visited Hangzhou Dianzi University (HDU), Zhejiang University (ZJU) and China Jiliang University (CJLU) in China, “engaging in productive discussions to explore opportunities for academic collaboration, student exchange programs and joint research initiatives”.

“The visit reflects CUT’s strategy to expand the University’s collaborations with academic institutions in Asia, offer foreign language study programs and foster intercultural understanding among its academic staff and students”, it also said.

During the visit a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the School of Agriculture and Biotechnology of Zhejiang University and the School of Geotechnical Sciences and Environmental Management of CUT.  

CUT also renewed its ties with Hangzhou Dianzi University with which it offers a joint master's programme in the field of Electronic Engineering “with enormous interest from Chinese students”, it said. It notes that it renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hangzhou Dianzi University, while meetings were held with departments exploring the prospects for new collaborations, new study and research programmes, student mobility and exchange of good practices.

“With this particular university, CUT has established the Confucius Institute which aims at promoting the Chinese language and culture and fostering intercultural awareness”, it adds.

The Cypriot university also renewed a Memorandum of Understanding it has signed with China Jiliang University, “a university with a long history in the field of metrology”.

In addition to the visits, the delegation participated in the World Chinese Language Conference held in Beijing between November 15-17.

According to the university, the visit “marks an important milestone in CUT’s efforts to promote global connections and enhance the learning experience for its students.” The university said it plans on building on this momentum by hosting reciprocal visits and collaborative events in the coming months.