Irbid, Oct. 20 (Petra)-- Yarmouk University is deepening its international partnerships with a strong focus on China, as part of its broader strategy to enhance academic and cultural collaboration across Asia. This direction was reaffirmed during a recent meeting between Malik Al-Shraideh, President of Yarmouk University, and Zhao Xiaoqiang, Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of the Chinese and Director of the China Cultural Center.

Al-Shraideh highlighted Yarmouk’s commitment to becoming a global academic hub by expanding its network with leading universities, particularly in Asia. He noted the university’s goal of attracting more international students and emphasized the vital role international students play as ambassadors for Jordan and Yarmouk upon returning to their home countries.

He called on the Chinese Embassy to help facilitate more academic partnerships with Chinese institutions and expressed the university’s readiness to host additional Chinese students. Currently, 55 Chinese students are enrolled at Yarmouk in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Al-Shraideh also pointed to the university’s emphasis on offering Chinese language courses, delivered through the university’s Language Center, as part of efforts to equip students with valuable language skills. He explained that learning Chinese opens the door to higher education and job opportunities in an increasingly globalized market.

For his part, Xiaoqiang praised Yarmouk University’s reputation and reaffirmed China’s interest in expanding cooperation with Jordanian higher education institutions. He also underscored the role of the Chinese Cultural Center in promoting mutual understanding between the two cultures through events, festivals, and educational activities.

As part of the visit, the Hussein bin Talal Library hosted cultural activities organized by the Chinese Cultural Center to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The event featured Chinese poetry performances, an art exhibition with 20 themed paintings, and presentations from researchers discussing their experiences studying in China, along with guidance on how to apply for scholarships at Chinese universities.

Ruba Al-Batayneh, Yarmouk’s Vice President, emphasized that such events not only strengthen cultural ties between Jordan and China but also pave the way for long-term academic collaboration and research partnerships.

//Petra// WH