Portugal cements ties with Zhejiang University

On the morning of October 15, Zhejiang University had the distinct honor of receiving a distinguished delegation led by Elvira Maria Correia Fortunato, Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education of Portugal. The purpose of their visit was to further bolster ties between China and Portugal in the realm of scientific and technological cooperation. 

FU Qiang, Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support from the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology. He assured the delegation of Zhejiang University’s commitment to providing top-notch resources and support for the sustained development of the China-Portugal Joint Innovation Center for Advanced Materials.

Elvira Fortunato conveyed her deep appreciation to the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology, and Zhejiang University for their invaluable support of the China-Portugal Joint Innovation Center for Advanced Materials. She applauded the remarkable achievements made over the past decade and underscored the pivotal role of such platforms as the China-Portugal Joint Innovation Center for Advanced Materials in promoting technological cooperation between the two countries. She also expressed her hope for further cooperation through the exchange of students and researchers to further strengthen scientific and technological exchanges between China and Portugal.

The visit occasioned comprehensive discussions between China and Portugal in various aspects of bilateral cooperation. Key speakers included representatives from the International Cooperation Department of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Paulo Nascimento, Portuguese Ambassador to China, Rodrigo Martins, President of the European Academy of Sciences, and Mario Barbosa, Portuguese Director of the China-Portugal Joint Innovation Center for Advanced Materials. Both sides unanimously recognized the vital role of the China-Portugal Joint Innovation Center for Advanced Materials as a bridge for fostering scientific and technological exchanges as well as its crucial contribution to research and personnel development. The meeting culminated in their commitment to broadening the scope of cooperation and deepening mutually beneficial and win-win collaboration.

During the meeting, FU Qiang presented the Certificate of Honorary Professorship to Rodrigo Martins and Mario Barbosa.

The delegation also visited Zhejiang University’s International Campus in Haining, where they engaged in in-depth discussions about cooperation in scientific and technological innovation and talent development.