On November 12, Professor Hélène BOULANGER, President of the University of Lorraine in France, led a delegation to visit Wuhan University of Technology (WUT). The two institutions co-hosted the 2025 Council Meeting of the Confucius Institute, jointly established by both universities. WUT President Wang Fazhou, who serves as the Chinese Chair of the Council, attended the meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Mai Liqiang.

Wang Fazhou extended a warm welcome to BOULANGER and her delegation, expressing gratitude to the University of Lorraine and the city of Metz in France for their long-standing care and support of the Confucius Institute. He emphasized that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, and emphasized that the council meeting provides an important opportunity for both sides to continue prioritizing Chinese language education, deepen cultural exchanges, and foster innovative cooperation. He proposed formulating an annual exchange theme that better aligns with the interests of French youth, thereby enhancing the quality and impact of cultural interactions. Wang Fazhou concurred with BOULANGER’s views and pledged continued support for strengthening collaboration in talent cultivation, scientific research, and team building. He affirmed that achieving more high-quality outcomes would actively contribute to increasing international understanding and promoting mutual learning among civilizations.

BOULANGER expressed her sincere gratitude for WUT’s thoughtful arrangements. She noted that the Confucius Institute, established through the collaboration of both universities, has become a significant symbol of their long-term close partnership. Against the backdrop of the close exchanges between China and France, and with President Macron’s upcoming visit to China, she emphasized that this will further propel bilateral cooperation. She also extended her appreciation to the faculty, students, and staff of both institutions for their contributions to the development of the Confucius Institute. Looking ahead, she expressed her expectation that the council meeting would serve as a new starting point for further building an academic community between the two universities, strengthening the bonds of friendship, continuously expanding opportunities for student and faculty exchanges and research collaboration, and steadily deepening and solidifying their cooperation.

During the meeting, the head of the Confucius Institute presented the annual work report, offering a comprehensive review of the Institute’s achievements in Chinese language teaching, cultural activities, and academic exchanges, followed by a presentation on the work plan for the upcoming year. The two universities also took the opportunity to renew the cooperation agreement for the Confucius Institute.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Organization Department of the CPC WUT Committee, the Personnel Office, the International Office, the Finance Office, and the School of Foreign Languages.

Written by: Qiao Jiang, Jiang Ning

Rewritten by: Li Huihui

Edited by: Liang Muwei, Li Tiantian

Source: International Office of WUT