Negotiations with the administration of the Beijing International Studies University were held at UWED

On April 19^th, 2022, a videoconference with the Beijing International Studies University took place at the University of world economy and diplomacy. Attendees from the side of UWED were: Safoev S.S. – First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Rector of UWED, Amanov D.U. – First Vice–rector, Saidkasymov S.S. - Vice-rector for International Relations, Ismailova G.S. – Vice-rector for Science and Innovation, Mukhitdinov A.I. – Head of the International Department.

The Chinese side was represented by: Ji Jinbiao – President of the Beijing International Studies University, Zheng Chengjun - Vice President, Li Xiaomu - Vice President, Zhang Yan - Vice President, Zou Tongqian - Assistant to the President, Yu Gang - Director of the International Department, Yan Hong – Deputy director of the International Department.

Online meeting was also attended by F.N. Arziev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to China, N. Mamazhonov, Adviser on trade and economic issues, B. Yahyaev, consul of the Embassy.

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to China F.N. Arziyev opened the meeting by introducing the guests and briefly commenting on the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and China and expressed hope for the strengthening of cooperation between UWED and Beijing International Studies University.

Rector of the University Safaev S.S. stressed that the relations between universities of China and Uzbekistan are an important political component within the framework of the development strategy of our country and it is included in the program of modernization, expansion of scientific and educational activities in the Republic. It was particularly noted that this meeting is taking place on the canon of the summit of the heads of the SCO member states, which will be held in Uzbekistan in the second half of 2022.

Ismailova G.S. made a brief presentation about the intellectual potential of UWED, its capabilities, and also informed the guests that more than 100 students study Chinese at UWED.

President of the Beijing International Studies University Ji Jinbiao, in his speech, stressed the importance of the summit of the heads of the SCO member states, which will be held in Uzbekistan this year. He made a presentation about his university, which trains young diplomats. Its graduates have become ambassadors of the People's Republic of China in different countries of the world. Currently, more than 10 thousand students study at the university, including 1 thousand foreign students. 1 thousand people work at the university as a part of the teaching staff, 60 of which are foreigners. 29 foreign languages are taught at Beijing International Studies University. There are faculties of Economics, Management, Finance, tourism, etc. In conclusion, Ji Jinbiao proposed to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation, create a joint working group to study and overview the questions discussed, and also invited the administration of UWED to visit the Beijing International Studies University once epidemiological situation is favorable.

The Vice President for International Relations of the Beijing International Studies University proposed cooperation in such areas as student exchange, teacher training, conducting research and international conferences, implementing joint educational programs, conducting online classes, sharing information and library resources and books.

Prof. Saidkasymov S.S. spoke in detail about the international relations of UWED, voiced a number of proposals for the development of cooperation, proposed to consider the issues of updating curriculum, the introduction of digital technologies in the educational process, the development of joint training programs on digital economy, digital law, digital diplomacy, the organization of the “Higher School of International Trade”. Among the topics of lectures for students were such topics as “China's experience in international trade and financial organizations,” including in the WTO, “Innovative method of solving modern economic problems”, “China's experience in attracting and using foreign investment”, “One Belt, One Road”, etc. “Issues of ensuring regional security and stable development of the Central Asian region within the framework of the SCO”, “Ways and prospects of solving the Afghan crisis”, etc. were proposed as topics at upcoming international scientific and practical conferences and seminars.

At the end of the meeting, Safaev S.S. spoke about UWED journal “International Relations”, invited Chinese scientists to prepare scientific articles for publication in this journal, and also invited the leadership of the Beijing International Studies University to visit UWED in mutually agreed terms.

During the negotiations, an agreement was reached to sign a Memorandum of cooperation in the near future.