First China Library in Iran to launch at ATU

Report by the Directorate for International Academic Cooperation–

In a session held on Wednesday, 24 May 2023, at the Central Library and Documentation Centre, Allameh Tabataba'i University (ATU), the Chinese Embassy in Iran, and the Press Office of the State Council of China signed a cooperation agreement to establish a China Library at ATU.

The session was attended by Dr Abdollah Motamedi, ATU President; HE Mr Chang Hua, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Iran; a group of vice presidents, administrative staff, faculty members, and students from ATU, and several Iranian and Chinese students.

At the beginning of the session, having pointed to the Islamic Republic of Iran's policies to expand cooperation with Eastern countries, especially China, Dr Motamedi referred to establishing the China Library at ATU as a brilliant opportunity to develop academic partnerships with China. He then added: "We are interested in expanding academic ties with Chinese universities so the knowledge available in Chinese universities and ATU can be exchanged in the form of mobilities of academic staff and conducting academic and research activities."

Referring to the teaching of the Chinese language at the undergraduate level at ATU, ATU President said: "We would like to launch the Chinese language programmed at the Master's and PhD levels." Likewise, we are interested in promoting the Persian language in China and are prepared to cooperate with Chinese universities accordingly."

Dr Motamedi then addressed the activities at the Center of Chinese Research at ATU and noted that the Center provides good opportunities for closer cooperation between the two countries. He then added, "The China Library's establishment at ATU will help those interested in learning Chinese literature, history, politics and culture. We are also prepared to launch Iran Libraries at Chinese universities. By equipping these libraries, we will help Chinese researchers interested in the Persian language to gain more familiarity with the Persian language and culture."

At the end of his speech, ATU President pointed to the Student Secretariat of the Silk Road Universities Network (USSUN) and reviewed some activities at the Secretariat related to the ties between China and Iran. Dr Motamedi concluded his speech hoping that ATU could further expand its relations with Chinese universities.

At the next part of the session, the Chinese Ambassador to Tehran expressed his pleasure in attending the session and said: "The affinities between countries depend on the friendships in the hearts of their peoples. Over fifty years have passed since the beginning of relations between China and Iran, and despite various changes in international politics, we have always stood by each other.

He emphasized: "In recent years, the relations between China and Iran have progressed significantly in all areas, especially in cultural and social fields, and the two countries have had significant collaborations. In February 2023, the Presidents of Iran and China signed several agreements so the two countries would cooperate in various fields, especially in education and culture. Signature of the present agreement is a good step towards implementing and realizing the agreements signed between the two countries."

Pointing out that it was the third time he attended ATU, the Chinese Ambassador added: "We believe ATU has impressive educational and research capacities in humanities and social sciences. I hope Iranian enthusiasts can learn more about China and its culture thanks to the launch of the China Library at ATU. Moreover, I am confident that, using the capacities and opportunities, ATU trains competent Chinese language students who can play a role in strengthening the relations between the two countries."