Launching the first activities of AURB

Also present to welcome the delegation were representatives from the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Tourism Studies, Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language, the Center for Research and Development of Ethnic Minorities - Mountainous Areas and the Red River Basin, the Center for Chinese Studies, the Department of Scientific Research Management, and the Department of External Relations and International Training Cooperation.

Professor Nguyen Van Khanh (left) and Cam Tuyet Xuan. (Photo: Trung Hieu sent to USSH)

In January 2014, at the First Forum of Rectors of Universities in the Red River Basin, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Hong Ha Academy initiated the establishment of the Association of Universities in the Red River Basin (AURB). Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh and Professor Cam Tuyet Xuan were elected as co-chairs of the Association for the 2014-2016 term.

This working session between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Hong Ha Academy focused on discussing the specific steps for implementing initial cooperation between the two universities, as well as among the member universities of AURB.

Professor Nguyen Van Khanh proposed establishing representative offices of universities from both countries to serve as a focal point for organizing joint activities, and setting up an official website for AURB.

The Rector also emphasized three important areas of activity that Vietnamese and Chinese universities should aim for: firstly, exchanging lecturers and students between universities, expanding scientific, cultural, and artistic exchanges between Vietnamese and Chinese students; secondly, coordinating research projects on issues of mutual interest such as promoting cooperation in Southeast Asia, planning the development of mountainous and ethnic minority areas, researching economic, social, and cultural exchanges among border residents, sustainable tourism development, climate change, etc.; and thirdly, coordinating the organization of international conferences, starting with joint participation in the international conference on the Red River Basin to be held in Lao Cai province this year.

Expressing her support for the above proposals, Professor Cam Tuyet Xuan emphasized: The University of Social Sciences and Humanities is a university with strengths in research and has been actively participating in the economic and social development of the locality and the country. This is a favorable condition for cooperation with AURB, especially in scientific research.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo after the working session. (Photo: Trung Hieu sent to USSH)

The leaders of both sides agreed that AURB's activities should be planned, practical, and effective, thereby helping to expand the number of members and the Association's influence in the region.