Portugal's Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel visited Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on March 25, where he was welcomed by Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, along with Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university.

Portugal's Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel (left) meets with Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, during his visit to BFSU on March 25. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Jia Wenjian talked of BFSU's academic development, talent cultivation and international cooperation achievements, and also highlighted the university's role in the establishment of the Sino-Portuguese Language and Culture Cooperation and Exchange Consortium and the China Portuguese Education University Alliance. Jia thanked Rangel for his support for BFSU and said he looked forward to more collaboration between the academic communities of China and Portugal, which would help deepen mutual understanding between the two countries.

Rangel praised the university's achievements and contributions to Portuguese language education, and emphasized the significance of language learning in enhancing global perspectives and strengthening cultural identity. He said he hoped that language exchange would help China and Portugal enhance their friendship.

Portugal's Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel delivers a speech during his visit to the university on March 25. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Jia emphasized BFSU's leading role in foreign language education and cultural exchange, and highlighted the university's long-standing collaboration with Portuguese universities and institutions, which has fostered greater mutual understanding among young people from both nations. Through various initiatives, BFSU has strengthened linguistic and cultural ties between China and Portugal. Jia affirmed the university's commitment to deepening mutual trust and cooperation, bringing fresh vitality and insight into the long-term partnership between the two countries.

As part of his visit, Rangel delivered a lecture on Portuguese language and culture, which was attended by almost a hundred faculty members and students specializing in Portuguese from BFSU, the University of International Business and Economics, and Beijing Jiaotong University.  

Portugal's Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel gives a speech on Portuguese language and culture during his visit to BFSU on March 25. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In his lecture, Rangel explored the historical and cultural roots of the Portuguese language, its global presence, and its role as a bridge for intercultural communication. He shared his admiration for literary icons such as Luís de Camões, António Vieira, and Fernando Pessoa, emphasizing that Portuguese is not only a vessel of Portuguese culture but also a rich fusion of diverse cultural influences. He underscored the language's unique role in fostering economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation across different regions and encouraged students to study languages deeply, read widely, and explore the world to build bridges between China and the global community. 

In the interactive session, students from BFSU and other universities engaged in a lively discussion on topics such as Portuguese literature, Sino-Portuguese cultural exchanges, and cultural identity. Rangel noted that the works of great Portuguese writers teach us that recognizing the diversity within our own culture is the foundation of cross-civilizational dialogue. He concluded by expressing his deep admiration for China's ability to preserve its cultural heritage while continuously innovating.

His sincere and profound responses were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, providing new perspectives and inspiration for Sino-Portuguese cultural understanding and exchange.

To mark the occasion, Portuguese language students from BFSU sang a song, Green Shoots in the Fields, to warm applause.