Kārlis Eihenbaums, Latvian Ambassador to China, visited Beijing International Studies University (BISU) on Dec 18.

Ji Jinbiao, deputy secretary of the CPC BISU Committee and president of the university, met with Eihenbaums, accompanied by Zheng Chengjun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC BISU Committee and vice-president of the university.

Ji Jinbiao (R) meets with Ambassador Eihenbaums.

Ji welcomed Eihenbaums' visit and briefed him on BISU's 60-year history and its internationalization efforts, particularly its pioneering Latvian language program, which was the first in China when launched in 2015.

He expressed gratitude for Latvia's support and highlighted BISU’s partnership with Riga Technical University in Latvia, which was listed in the Outcome List of China-CEEC Summit.  

He also mentioned that high-level Latvian officials, including the Latvian president and deputy prime minister, have visited BISU, in support of its Latvian language talent cultivation.

Zheng noted that BISU is committed to enhancing academic collaboration with Latvia, including student and faculty exchanges, adding that China's expanding visa-free transit policy will further facilitate exchanges between China and Latvia.

Eihenbaums praised BISU's Latvian language major development and reiterated the importance of educational exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties. He also emphasized that China's recent transit policy changes have boosted cultural interactions between the two countries, and the embassy will continue to support initiatives to foster academic cooperation.

The attendees of the meeting pose for a group photo.   

During the visit, the ambassador and his delegation engaged with representatives of BISU's School of European Studies in discussions regarding the development of the Latvian language major and student employment. 

Kārlis Eihenbaums (R) meets with representatives of BISU's School of European Studies.

Ināra Eihenbauma, the ambassador's wife, performed the Latvian song Mana dziesma with BISU students and encouraged them to deepen their understanding of the Latvian language and culture, stressing the importance of their role in the long-term development of China-Latvia relations.

The ambassador couple (R) sings Latvian songs with BISU students.