From May 3 to 9, 2025, Tan Zhemin, President of Nanjing University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led a delegation to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to expand NJU's international cooperation network and strengthen scientific, educational and cultural exchanges with countries along the "Belt and Road" in the Middle East. The delegation engaged in in-depth exchanges with renowned local universities, scientific and technological innovation institutions, and Chinese enterprises on topics such as scientific research, talent cultivation, and social services, aiming to promote comprehensive cooperation.
On the morning of May 3, Tan Zhemin and his delegation visited King Saud University, the oldest and largest comprehensive university in Saudi Arabia. Tan introduced NJU's history, preponderant disciplines, and recent achievements in international cooperative education. He emphasized that as China and Saudi Arabia further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, NJU places great importance on international cooperation under the "Belt and Road" initiative. He suggested that both sides could sign a framework cooperation agreement to promote practical collaboration and contribute significantly to technological innovation and economic development in both countries. Abdullah Al-Salman, President of King Saud University, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed hope for establishing a friendly partnership with NJU to cultivate high-level talents with an international perspective for both countries. Nasser Aldaghri, Vice President of King Saud University, and Mezyad Alterkawi, Director of the International Office, participated in the discussions and exchange activities.
On the afternoon of May 3, the delegation visited Prince Sultan University, the first private non-profit university in Saudi Arabia, which houses the country's first Confucius Institute. Tan Zhemin highlighted NJU's achievements in scientific research and talent cultivation in recent years, as well as its characteristic projects promoting international education. Ahmed Bin Saleh Al-Yamani, President of Prince Sultan University, highly praised Nanjing University's development achievements and looked forward to expanding and deepening cooperation between the two universities. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on cooperation in graduate talent cultivation, personnel exchanges, and joint research. After the meeting, Tan Zhemin visited key laboratories, including the Innovation Center, the Energy Resources and Environmental Science Laboratory, and the Product Development Center.
On the afternoon of May 4, the delegation visited the Sinopec Tech Middle East LLC, where they were warmly received by Chen Kunrong, Deputy Representative of Sinopec Middle East, and Ding Shidong, Sinopec Tech Middle East LLC. This center serves as Sinopec's technical research and support hub in the Middle East and as an important platform for external technical exchange and cooperation. Tan Zhemin highly commended Sinopec's strong presence and outstanding influence on the international stage as a globally renowned energy and chemical enterprise. The delegation toured the exhibition hall and core laboratories, engaging in deep exchanges on research cooperation, resource sharing, talent cultivation, and the construction of practical bases.
On the morning of May 5, Tan Zhemin and his delegation visited King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, meeting with President Muhammad Al-Saggaf, Vice President for Academic Affairs Mesfer M. Al-Zahrani, and Vice President for Research and Innovation Affairs Ali Al-Shaikhi. Tan expressed gratitude for their warm reception and introduced Nanjing University's history, achievements, and key cooperation areas. He noted the university's impressive performance and international reputation, especially in petroleum engineering and earth sciences, and expressed hope to deepen cooperation. Al-Saggaf highlighted the university's recent achievements in technological innovation, academic rankings, and international collaboration, stating that NJU's visit laid a solid foundation for further personnel exchanges and research cooperation. During the visit, the delegation also toured the university's interdisciplinary research center and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis Center.
On the morning of May 7, Tan Zhemin visited the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, meeting with Khalid Zamil, Chief Expert in the Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence of Upstream Business. Tan introduced NJU's recent educational achievements and international cooperation layout, noting the vast cooperation potential with Saudi Aramco, a leading global oil company actively implementing the "Saudi Vision 2030" development strategy. He expressed hope for deepening collaboration in energy and resource development, environmental science research, and computer technology applications to drive industry innovation and contribute to global sustainable development goals. The delegation also visited the EXPEC Advanced Research Center and the Downstream Research & Development Center, engaging in discussions with Mustafa Alali, the Chief Expert, and other representatives of the centers.
On the morning of May 8, Tan Zhemin visited Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, holding discussions with President Ahmad Hasnah and Acting Provost Ala Al-Fuqaha. Hasnah introduced the university's history, campus environment, faculty, and research achievements. The two sides reached multiple agreements on deepening faculty and student exchanges and joint training based on disciplines such as computer science and artificial intelligence.
On the afternoon of May 8, the delegation visited the Qatar Science and Technology Park under the Qatar National Research Foundation, meeting with Francisco Marmolejo, Chairman of Higher Education Affairs at the Foundation, and Hayfa Al-Abdulla, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Technology Park. The delegation engaged in in-depth exchanges on cooperation opportunities in higher education and technological innovation between China and Qatar, actively expanding cooperation in academic research, student exchanges, and results transformation. Marmolejo introduced the foundation and Qatar Education City's basic situation, expressing hope to further promote exchanges and cooperation to enhance both parties' comprehensive strength in research and innovation. During the visit, the delegation toured the Qatar Shell Research and Technology Center and the Qatar Transportation and Innovation Center.
Representatives from NJU's Human Resources Office, Institute of Science and Technology, School of Computer Science, Institute for International Students, and International Affairs office accompanied the visit.
