So as to promote historical and cultural research on Silk Roads and the national strategy of “One Belt, One Road”, during May 26-30, the academic seminar entitled “Sino-Portugal Relations in the Context of Silk Roads” was jointly held in Portugal by Guangzhou University (GU) and University of Coimbra (UC). Zhang Qiang, GU Vice-secretary of CPC Committee, Professor Joaquim Ramos de Carvalho, UC Vice-president, and researchers from prestigious universities or scientific research institutions such as South China University of Technology, Jinan University and Fujian Academy of Social Science attended the conference.
In the opening ceremony, Professor Joaquim Ramos de Carvalho delivered a speech, reviewing traditional friendship between Chinese and Portuguese and the past cooperation experience between the two universities. Vice-secretary Zhang Qiang pointed out that as the token of human civilization, “Silk Road” symbolizes vitality and bright future. By raising the strategic idea of “One Belt, One Road”, General Secretary Xi Jinping intended to strengthen China’s political, economic and cultural partnership with countries along the Silk Road based on mutual interests and shared responsibility. The international academic conference “Sino-Portugal Relations in the Context of Silk Roads” will not only propel academic exchange and collaboration among members of the New Silk Road University Consortium but also enhance dialogue and fusion of Chinese and Portuguese civilizations.
During the conference, participants exchanged views around Sino-Portugal Relations in the context of Maritime Silk Road, trade and cultural interaction and evolution, changes of cities along Silk Road as well as policy of the “One Belt, One Road” Strategy. To cultivate talents for Silk Road Research, GU selected and gave full financial support to five graduates to attend the Conference in Portugal and read their dissertation. These five students also discussed related topics with scholars and teachers. In addition, GU delegates also exchanged research data and achievements with Faculty of Arts, Museum, Library and Archives of UC. Preliminary cooperation agreement was reached and GU popularity in International arena in academic exchange has been raised.
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