Bringing Wales to the world

Cardiff University has today signed a partnership agreement with Xiamen University to increase collaborative research, share education best practice and create more opportunities for student and staff exchange. Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University said: "We are extremely pleased to be extending our long-standing relationship with Xiamen. International partnerships like this are critical to continuing the global reach and reputation of our research and bringing Wales to the world." The agreement was signed by President Zhu of Xiamen University and Professor Colin Riordan Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, with the First Minister of Wales in attendance. President Zhu of Xiamen University said: "Our new partnership agreement with Cardiff University is the product of a longstanding and productive relationship that we're delighted to be building on.." Cardiff became the first city in the UK to twin with a city in China when it partnered with Xiamen more than thirty years ago and during that time Cardiff and Xiamen universities have also developed close collaboration in a number of fields of mutual interest, including areas of strength for Cardiff such as catalysis. First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: "I welcome today's agreement between Cardiff and Xiamen Universities and the opportunity to once again make clear that overseas students will always be welcome in Wales.." "These collaborations must continue. We will work with universities to make sure that these bridges are maintained and strengthened in years to come." Professor Riordan commented: "Our collaborative work with academic partners across the world produces research with real impact that can tackle global challenges.