The French Consul-General in Wuhan Mr. Philippe Martinet visited Hunan University (HNU) on April 28. He discussed with HNU Vice President Cao Yijia on academic exchanges between universities of China and France and sought after further cooperation.

Cao extended a warm welcome to Mr. Martinet and briefly introduced the university as well as the ongoing academic exchanges with France. He hoped that more substantial efforts would be made to enhance the communication and cooperation in academic culture between China and France.

Mr. Martinet introduced France’s policies and development advantages in scientific and technical innovation. As he stated, France had carried out frequent exchanges with Hunan and further propelled mutual cooperation in recent years. Last year, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the Attached Primary School of HNU opened its first French class which was the pioneer in central China. This time, Mr. Martinet said, the aim is to expand cooperation in higher education.

At the meeting, both parties agreed to collaborate on opening French courses, holding lectures and seminars on academic and cultural topics, and organizing student and teacher exchange programs. Mr. Martinet promised that French Consul-General in Wuhan would exert all its energies to offer necessary information and create convenience for the activities.

The principals of HNU Department of International Communication and Cooperation, School of Architecture, Distance Learning and Continuing Education College and School of Design also talked with the French guests over the specific cooperation items.

Translated by Zhou Xin