Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq – 18 June 2026
The Vice Consul of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Erbil, together with researchers and academics from leading Chinese universities and research centres, visited the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) to explore opportunities for academic collaboration and institutional partnership.
The visiting representatives included Mr Zhang Jianxin, Vice Consul of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Erbil; Prof Ma Xiaolin, Dean of the Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean Rim (ISMR) at Zhejiang International Studies University; Prof Liu Zhongmin, Professor at the Middle East Studies Institute (MESI) of Shanghai International Studies University; Prof Ding Long, Deputy Director and Professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University; Dr Li Mingbo, Deputy Director and Secretary-General of the Guangzhou Institute of the Greater Bay Area; and Mr Sun Yizhe, diplomat at the Chinese Consulate.
The delegation met with UKH President Dr Zana Ibrahim, Dr Christopher Bridle, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and other university representatives. The visit aimed to strengthen scientific and academic cooperation between the institutions. Discussions also focused on student and academic staff exchange programmes, with the objective of enhancing the capacities of both sides in areas such as political and social sciences, artificial intelligence, technology, and contemporary business studies.
The meeting reflected the shared commitment of both sides to advancing international academic engagement, promoting knowledge exchange, and exploring future opportunities for collaboration in research, education, and innovation.
