Over 80 presidents and representatives from 25 Chinese and French universities and educational institutions gathered at the "China-France University Presidents' Forum" hosted by Tongji University in Shanghai on May 19, discussing the cultivation of outstanding talents through international cooperation and the sustainable development under the support of higher education.

This event marked a significant part of Tongji University's celebrations for the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations.

In a video address, Zhou Li, deputy director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges at the Ministry of Education, emphasized that the gathering of representatives from both countries would undoubtedly inject fresh momentum into Sino-French higher education cooperation.

Fang Shou'en, Party chief of Tongji University, highlighted in his speech that educational cooperation is a vital component of the bilateral relationship between China and France. As one of the earliest comprehensive universities in China to initiate cooperation and exchanges with France, Tongji has been instrumental in fostering Sino-French talent cultivation, scientific research collaboration and cultural exchange.

The attending presidents and experts from both nations delivered over 20 keynote speeches, reviewing the fruitful outcomes of China-France educational cooperation, sharing experiences and reflections on nurturing global engineers through international collaboration, and exploring new models and paths for future cooperation, all in the context of promoting sustainable development.

The day also witnessed the inauguration of an exhibition titled "30 Years of Tongji University's Cooperation with France", which took place at the university's museum, attracting visits from the attendees. The exhibition reviews the Sino-French cooperation in architecture and urban-rural heritage conservation in the past 25 years.

Wang Biye contributed to this story.