A joint research center for China-Portugal civilizational exchange and mutual learning, established by Renmin University of China and the University of Coimbra, was unveiled on Wednesday in Coimbra, Portugal. It is the latest instance of Renmin University's deepening cooperation with leading Portuguese universities.

Similar centers have already been established in Greece, France, Hungary, Zimbabwe, Spain and Brazil.

Drawing on the distinctive academic strengths of the two universities, the center will carry out research in fields including digital humanities and art, the blue economy, foreign-related rule of law, and cultural heritage protection, with the aim of producing influential academic outcomes.

It will also focus on key issues in China-Portugal cooperation by jointly hosting international academic conferences and thematic forums, promoting reciprocal visits by young students from both universities, and inviting outstanding scholars from the University of Coimbra to China for collaborative research and teaching.

In addition, the center will improve a trilateral coordination mechanism linking Beijing, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Coimbra, connect with platforms such as the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, and help extend China-Portugal cooperation to other Portuguese-speaking countries.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Ma Huaide, president of Renmin University of China, said the friendship between China and Portugal has endured across mountains and seas and stood the test of time, setting an example of mutual respect and win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems and national conditions.

He said that in recent years, Renmin University has continuously expanded exchanges and cooperation with universities in Portugal and other European countries, and established several research centers in Europe dedicated to civilizational exchange and mutual learning.

Ma expressed hope that the two universities would take the establishment of the center as an opportunity to contribute wisdom and strength to the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Yang Yirui, Chinese ambassador to Portugal, said the establishment of the center by the two leading universities to promote academic exchange and civilizational dialogue is a fruitful outcome of the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership in the academic sphere and a vivid practice of implementing the Global Civilization Initiative.

He expressed hope that the two universities would make new and greater contributions to deepening educational cooperation, enhancing friendship between the two peoples, and promoting dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations.

Joao Nuno Calvao da Silva, vice-rector of the University of Coimbra, said the establishment of the center provides an important platform for the two universities to further expand cooperation and elevate it to a higher level.

He said the University of Coimbra stands ready to work with Renmin University of China to build an interdisciplinary research platform, take China-Portugal higher education cooperation to a new level, inject greater stability into a complex and changing international landscape, and strengthen the people-to-people foundation for lasting friendship between the two countries.