Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, United Arab Emirates Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), along with a delegation from the region, visited Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) on November 19.

“Congratulations on the 100th anniversary,” Sheikh Saud wrote in his congratulatory letter. “It’s my honor to visit your wonderful campus and to learn how we can find cooperation that helps further our both countries and create a better academic joint effort.”

Sheikh Saud is writing a congratulatory letter to SYSU.

The full text of the congratulatory letter

Dr. Zhu Kongjun, Chairman of the University Council, held talks with Sheikh Saud and his delegation on the university’s south campus in Guangzhou.

Zhu Kongjun,Chairman of the University Council, holds talks with Sheikh Saud and his delegation.

Zhu Kongjun,Chairman of the University Council, warmly welcomes Sheikh Saud and his delegation.

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, and our university recently celebrated the 100th anniversary on November 12. I am delighted to welcome Sheikh Saud and your delegation at this new beginning of our university's centenary celebration," said Zhu.

Zhu highlighted that in recent years, SYSU has cooperated with numerous universities in the UAE, such as Gulf Medical University and the United Arab Emirates University, and has achieved remarkable results."

Sheikh Saud said that SYSU, as one of the top universities in China, has made remarkable achievements in academic research, talent cultivation and cultural exchanges. He anticipated future collaborations with SYSU in realms of medical education, museum administration, as well as culture and arts education.

Sheikh Saud later joined students and teachers to exchange views on China-UAE friendship at a sharing session themed on “Bridging Cultures: Friendship and Cooperation between China & the United Arab Emirates.” He shared his unique perspectives on global cooperation and cultural exchange with student representatives.

Sheikh Saud engages in a dialogue with student and teacher representatives.

Sheikh Saud shared his experiences and practices in fostering cultural and educational advancement in Ras Al Khaimah. He encouraged the students to embrace future challenges, and act as bridges for future China-UAE collaboration.

Prof. Zhang Qi, Vice Chair of the University Council, also addressed the importance of cultural exchanges. She hoped that the friendship built between China and the UAE today would continue in the future.

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE and the 100th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen University. SYSU highly values its cooperation with universities in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries, engaging in long-term and pragmatic cooperation in medical education, environmental science, and economics.

In 2019, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University established a cooperation relationship with Gulf Medical University, conducting mutually beneficial cooperation in student exchange, teacher training, and staff training. In March of this year, 18 faculty members from First Affiliated Hospital graduated from Gulf Medical University, and received their Master in Health Professions Education (MHPE) degrees. teaching backbones and awarded master's degrees in medical education.

In June of this year, Prof. Xiao Haipeng, Executive Vice President of SYSU, led a delegation to the UAE to further promote medical collaboration between the university and the UAE.

Additionally, SYSU signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates University in June of this year aiming to promote international scientific research cooperation, The cooperation will be focused on scientific research in clean water and energy-related fields, promoting knowledge and technological exchanges between the two universities.

Participants pose for a group photo.