From July 28 to August 3, a group of five teachers and students of our school, led by associate dean Guo Wenqi, went on a summer visiting trip of ‘Silk Road Youth Dialogue’ in Istanbul, Turkey, along with faculty and students from the School of Politics and International Relations. During the stay, the group conducted academic exchanges at Istanbul Gedik Univeristy, participated in the Global Political Discussion Forum (GPDF 1), and visited Istanbul Univeristy and Gedik Holding Group.

The exchange, named ‘Silk Road Youth Dialogue’ , was a 19-member summer-exchange group initiated by LZU to visit Gedik University. They arrived on July 28, visited the campus,and had brief exchange.

On July 29, a grand welcome ceremony was held by Gedik University. Turkish attendees include , president of Gedick University Zafer Utlu, vice president Saduman Okumus, head of the Department of International Relations, Suha Atature, as well as faculty and stduents from the Department of International Relations, the Department of Philosophy, and the Department of Engineering at Gedik University and Istanbul University. Zafer Utlu said in his speech that at present, although Sino-Turkish exchanges are centered on economy, culture plays a very important role. Only by deepening cultural exchanges can China and Turkey understand each other more comprehensively and build a stable, lasting and friendly relationship. After the welcoming ceremony, four student representatives from both sides introduced their  countries' political, economic, cultural and diplomatic developments. Guo Qiang,  graduate student of class 2018 of our school, gave a speech entitled “Wild China” on behalf of the students. He introduced China's natural scenery, technological development and Chinese cuisine in detail.

On July 30, a themed seminar on “Student Training and Enrollment” was held in Gedik University. Both sides introduced their status in talent training, student enrollment, scientific research and social reputation. From the perspectives of “Where”, “What” and “How”, Guo Wenqi introduced the status of LZU by displaying discipline set-up, specialty majors, student enrolment, and international student scholarship via abundant data, pictures, and photos. By offering information on Chinese language training and study requirements, she expressed welcome for Turkish students to apply for scholarships and study at LZU.

On July 31, the “Global Political Discussion Forum” was held on the Kartle campus of Gedik University. Attendees included deputy Chinese general consul in Istanbul, Zhong Hongru; consul Yang Yun; associate professor of international studies at Fudan University, Ma Bin; director of the Sino - Euroasia, Political and Strategic Studies Center in Armenia, Mher Sahakyan; ,professor of the Chinese Department at Istanbul University, Eyup Saritas; vice president of Sino-Turkish Cultural association, Mustafa karsli;  associate professor of civil engineering at Gedik University, Mert Tolon; and director of the Department of International Relations, Suha Atature.

On August 1, the delegation visited the parent company of Gedik University, the Gedik Group and its factory in Turkey. They experienced the convenience brought by B&R for countries along the route to integrate into globalization. General export manager and chief engineer of the group, SerhatYakar, introduced that Gedik’s products have found huge markets in China, Japan, Korea and southeastern countries. “No one wants to miss the opportunity and be left behind,” he said,

On August 2, the delegation visited the university of Istanbul and visited the department of Chinese Language and Literature of the university, accompanied by professor Ayub Salertashi.

This summer exchange made our teachers and students understand the development of contemporary capitalist countries, intensified mutual understanding and enhanced bilateral youth friendships between the two countries, and broadened the Marxist theoretical study of new era with an international vision. It also deepened the "four confidence" socialism with Chinese characteristics, to enhance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation's sense of mission and sense of responsibility.

Text: summer exchange mission to Turkey

Photo: summer exchange tour to Turkey