On November 21, Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou visited Tsinghua University and delivered a speech. Tsinghua University President Wang Xiqin met with President Lacalle later the same day.
Wang extended a warm welcome to President Lacalle and his delegation. He noted that this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Uruguay, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Despite the geographical distance between China and Uruguay, the people of the two countries have a long and enduring friendship. Tsinghua University has always placed great importance on exchanges with Uruguay and other Latin American and Caribbean countries, and has carried out highly effective cooperation in various fields. Looking to the future, Wang expressed the hope to further expand exchanges and cooperation with Uruguay in the fields of education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchange, thereby making greater contributions to promoting China-Uruguay cooperation, world peace and development, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
In his speech, President Lacalle expressed his delight in visiting Tsinghua University and interacting with young students. He pointed out that the bilateral relations between Uruguay and China have developed very smoothly, with the relationship founded on solid mutual understanding and trust. President Lacalle remarked that young people carry the significant responsibility of leading humanity towards a better future while also protecting our planet and environment. The concepts of green development and sustainable development are increasingly accepted among young people, and our world requires more cooperation.
After his speech, President Lacalle engaged in a Q&A session with the students, presided by Tsinghua Vice-President Wang Hongwei. This interactive session was followed by his meeting with Wang Xiqin.
In their meeting, Wang briefly introduced the University's history, its focus on student development, extensive research initiatives, and strategic international collaborations. He also conveyed a strong interest in deepening educational, technological, and people-to-people exchange between Uruguay and Tsinghua University.
President Lacalle emphasized the pivotal role of universities as centers of knowledge and scientific advancement, highlighting their significant contribution to youth development and cultural exchanges. He advocated for the strengthening of ties between Uruguayan and Chinese universities, to foster greater opportunities for Uruguayan students to study in China.
The meeting was also attended by Huang Yazhong, China’s ambassador to Uruguay; Wang Hongwei; Xu Yue, counselor of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and heads of Tsinghua University's Office of International Affairs and Latin America Center.
Tsinghua established its Latin America Center in 2018 which serves as a vital platform for collaboration with local governments, academia, think tanks, and businesses in the region. This initiative reflects Tsinghua's commitment to expanding academic research, student development, cultural exchanges, and innovation in science and technology.
Editor：Li Han
