The Student Activities Department at Qatar University (QU) hosted recently a visit by a delegation comprising 14 students and one supervisor from the Students’ International Communication Association (SICA) at Peking University (PKU).
Organised in conjunction with the Chinese embassy and Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), the visit was part of the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture exchange programme launched by Qatar Ministry of Culture and Sports, and QMA to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
It also came in line with the establishment of a partnership between QU and PKU in 2014 which included the launch of a Qatar Chair in Middle East Studies at Peking University.
The delegation was joined by 10 QU students from the colleges of Arts & Sciences (CAS), Business & Economics (CBE), and Law (LAWC).
They attended a series of lectures provided by QU assistant professor of international affairs Dr Imad Mansour, professor of political science Dr Larbi Sadiki, and associate professor of mass communication Dr Haydar Badawi Sadig.
The visiting delegation discussed issues related to international relations between the GCC and China, media in the Arab world, and Qatar history and social aspects.
The visitors also participated in a workshop on Arabic calligraphy at the Museum of Islamic Art, and had the opportunity to visit landmark sites in Qatar such as Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, Education City and Msheireb Museums, as well as the Chinese embassy and Brookings Doha Centre.
Participation certificates were given to the students at the closing ceremony on February 21 in the presence of QU president Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham and Chinese ambassador Li Chen, as well as members of QU community.
QU VP for Student Affairs Dr Khalid al-Khanji said: “We are pleased to bring students from Qatar and China together to foster better understanding of each country’s culture, history, language, and society. Both countries boast rich traditions and a vibrant cultural heritage, and these students are the fitting ambassadors to contribute to strengthening ties of goodwill, respect and friendship in this year celebrating Qatar-China relations.”