In an effort to deepen international cooperation and expand educational perspectives, Nanyang Normal University conducted an online exchange meeting with Cuba Universidad de Oriente (Eastern University of Santiago) on the morning of 30 May 2025. The event was hosted in the East Conference Room on the first floor of the Administration Building.
Representing Universidad de Oriente were Dr. Diana Sedal Yanes, President, Dr. Fred Santana Lescay and Dr. Elsy María López Arias, Vice Presidents, as well as Dr. Valinia González Estévez, Director of International Affairs, who attended the meeting online. NYNU’s delegation included Zhang Baofeng, Secretary of the Communist Party Committee, Luo Yongsong, President, and Xiong Xinzhong, Vice President. Also present were heads of various offices and schools, including the Office of the Communist Party Committee, President’s Office, Academic Affairs Office, Graduate School, International Office, as well as representatives from the Schools of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chemistry and Pharmacy Engineering, Life Science and Technology, and Economics and Management. Vice President Xiong Xinzhong chaired the meeting.
During the meeting, Party Secretary Zhang Baofeng provided an overview of NYNU’s development and highlighted its accomplishments in international collaboration. Building upon prior productive discussions, he put forward three key proposals for future cooperation between the two institutions: strengthening educational partnerships to cultivate globally competent talent, enhancing joint scientific research and academic exchanges, and promoting cultural interactions to foster mutual understanding between civilizations.
Dr. Diana Sedal Yanes expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with NYNU. She emphasized that through concerted efforts, both universities could achieve significant outcomes in high-level talent development initiatives such as Sino-foreign cooperative education programs, joint master’s and doctoral programs. She also expressed hope that NYNU would make new contributions to cultural and linguistic exchanges between China and Cuba.
President Luo Yongsong introduced NYNU’s distinctive educational features, disciplinary advantages, and strategic development plans. Regarding key areas of cooperation, he offered guidance on potential collaborative programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He particularly suggested exploring a joint doctoral program in chemistry while actively developing other forms of collaboration, including academic exchanges, faculty and student visits, and language training programs.
Vice President Xiong Xinzhong presented specific suggestions for implementing the cooperative initiatives and reached consensus with representatives from Universidad de Oriente.
In a significant moment witnessed by all participants, Presidents Luo Yongsong and Diana Sedal Yanes formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) via video link. This milestone signifies the beginning of a new phase in bilateral cooperation, laying a solid foundation for in-depth collaboration between the two universities in talent cultivation, scientific research, cultural exchange, and other key areas.
The signing ceremony concluded successfully, marking a meaningful step forward in international educational cooperation for both institutions.
Written by: Li Lei
Photos by: Zhang Zi’ang
Source: NYNU News (Chinese)
https://www.nynu.edu.cn/info/1122/29938.htm
