A delegation from Oxford Brookes University, led by Sean Mackney, the university's pro vice-chancellor, visited Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on July 14 to advance bilateral cooperation.

A delegation from Oxford Brookes University visits BFSU on July 14. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

BFSU's Vice-President Zhao Gang met with the delegation.

Zhao highlighted BFSU's longstanding strengths in foreign language teaching and research, noting that the university has made substantial progress in interdisciplinary development, innovative talent cultivation, and diversified forms of international exchange and cooperation.

Recalling more than a decade of partnership between the two universities, Zhao expressed his readiness to build upon the existing collaboration through the Confucius Institute and to vigorously advance cooperation in joint degree programs, teaching and research, and faculty and student exchanges.

Mackney expressed his gratitude for BFSU's warm hospitality and congratulated both universities on the fruitful outcomes of their years of cooperation.

He introduced Oxford Brookes University's disciplinary strengths and professional development, noting that the two institutions share a high degree of academic compatibility and enjoy broad prospects for collaboration. He also conveyed strong confidence in the cooperative projects currently under development between the two sides.

BFSU leaders and the delegation of Oxford Brookes University pose for a group photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During the visit, the delegation toured the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. The Confucius Institute at Oxford Brookes University, jointly established by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press and the university, holds the distinction of being the world's first Confucius Institute co-founded by a Chinese publishing institution. It also remains the only Confucius Institute with publishing as its defining feature.

The visit marks another milestone in the enduring partnership between BFSU and Oxford Brookes University, underscoring both institutions' commitment to deepening China-UK educational cooperation.