On September 11th, 2024,  Chinese and Albanian academics met in Tirana for an academic exchange session & roundtable.  

The meeting brought together esteemed scholars and professionals from both countries to explore the intersections of our academic pursuits better, examine contemporary research paradigms, and foster bilateral collaboration. 

From the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Institute of European Studies, Prof. Zhao Chen, Prof. Kong Tianping, and  Associate Research Fellow Cao Hui were present at the talks. 

Professor Zhao, the Chief of the European Diplomacy Department, presented the history, accomplishments, and future prospects of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Institute of European Studies. Additionally, Professor Zhao introduced the first Chinese think tank based in Europe, specifically in Budapest, and provided Albanian academics with an overview of IES’s academic achievements and areas of focus. 

Professor Kong offered a comprehensive overview of the research areas, drawing from his extensive expertise in the field. He engaged the Albanian participants, providing detailed insights into the historical and contemporary exploration of this region in China. Prof. Kong highlighted critical moments in history, shedding light on the significance of the research conducted in this area. 

Professor Shpëtim Cami, General Secretary of the University College of Business (UCB) in Albania, presented the vision, mission, and aims for UCB’s future to the Chinese counterparts. Prof. Cami expressed UCB’s interest in student and academic staff exchanges with universities and think tanks in China, as well as training, joint programs, and projects. Additionally, he highlighted the possibility of a cooperation agreement that would be mutually beneficial for both institutions (CASS & UCB). 

Prof. Edit Bregu, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Law, and Social Sciences and vice president of UCB, made an in-depth presentation on the university’s current state of affairs, ongoing partnerships, reorganization, and future projections. Prof. Bregu highlighted UCB’s commitment to further internationalization and expressed the university’s further outreach to foreign academic institutions.  

Prof. Mira Andoni, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Sciences at UBC, introduced the scope, capacity, and opportunities that the faculty is providing for the Albanian youth in our times.  Prof. Andoni stressed the vital importance of this field for the future and how UCB is exploring and adapting to the needs of the marketplace. 

Dr. Irsida Dinoshi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Law, and Social Sciences, UCB, introduced the Chinese counterparts to the institution’s goals and achievements. Dr. Dinoshi highlighted UCB’s engagement and commitment to exchanging knowledge, ideas, and experiences. 

Prof. Enver Bytyçi, Executive Director of the Institute of Southeast European Studies, introduced his institution’s objectives and his personal expertise in the region. The author of several books and articles on China, prof. Bytyçi expressed his conviction that Albanian academia has the goodwill, intention, and aspiration to work with China.  He recalled his visits to China and the great potential in Beijing’s two initiatives, respectively, China-CEEC and the Belt and Road Initiative. 

Marjana Doda, Editor-in-Chief of Argumentum.al, an essential voice in the Albanian media landscape, introduced the history, achievements, andcore values of this media. She focused on the crucial importance of adequately portraying the reality of China in Albania, the need for unbiased information, and the actors that shape the narrative. Ms. Doda introduced the Chinese guests to the special edition of Argumentum magazine, which is a monthly outlet focused on geopolitics. 

Mr. Chong Daihai, Chief Reporter of the Xinhua News Agency, Tirana Bureau, was also present at the meeting. 

Dr. Marsela Musabelliu, Executive Director of the Albanian Institute for Globalization Studies, moderated the meeting. As a scholar of Chinese current affairs, she introduced the counterparts to how China is perceived in Albania, what achievements in China-related research have been made so far, and what the prospects for the future could entail. Dr. Musabelliu expressed her conviction that academics can create solid cooperation bridges between China and Albania. 

All the participants highlighted the mutual interest and commitment of both Chinese and Albanian institutions to enhance collaborative efforts, drive research innovation, and strengthen academic ties. The participants took this opportunity to advance scholarly collaboration between China and Albania. 

The primary focus was on enhancing bilateral cooperation and leveraging shared academic interests to drive future joint endeavors. 

The meeting was marked by insightful presentations,  collaborative spirit, and discussions that highlighted the rich traditions and strengths of both countries. Both sides’ will is well-positioned to leverage their combined expertise./AIGS 

12 September 2024, Argumentum.al 

https://www.argumentum.al/en/china-albania-academic-exchanges-session-roundtable/