2026-04-29
Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China Visits Soran University
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas, President of Soran University, received Mr. Jiang Chengxin , Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China, at the University Presidency building.
During the meeting, the University President welcomed the guest and highlighted the university’s strategic goal of fostering bilateral and multilateral academic relations at both local and international levels. The Deputy Consul General expressed his delight at visiting Soran University and emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific and academic ties. He affirmed his readiness to facilitate cooperation and coordination to advance joint academic initiatives with Chinese institutions and research centers.
In a gesture of mutual respect, Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas presented the Deputy Consul General with a plaque of appreciation featuring the new Soran University logo. In return, Mr. Jiang Chengxin presented the University President with a book authored by President Xi Jinping, alongside a decorative artifact representing ancient Chinese civilization.
Following the meeting, the University President and the Deputy Consul General—joined by Mr. Helgurd Sheikh Najib, Supervisor of the Soran Independent Administration—participated in a series of cultural activities. These events were organized by Soran University in collaboration with the Chinese Language Department of the College of Languages at Salahaddin University to mark World Chinese Language Day.
The program commenced with a welcoming speech by Dr. Karmand Hamad Abdullah, followed by an address from the Deputy Consul General. Mr. Jiang Chengxin thanked Soran University for hosting the event and spoke on the global significance of the Chinese language. "We want to make language a bridge of communication between peoples," he stated, "through which we can build economic, cultural, and political relations." He noted that the Kurdistan Region and Iraq are vital parts of this bridge, highlighting the successful establishment of the Chinese Language Department at Salahaddin University. Furthermore, he expressed a strong desire to see a similar department opened at Soran University, which he described as one of the most advanced institutions in the region.
Asst.Prof. Dr. Sherwan Sharif Qurtas also addressed the attendees, expressing his pride in commemorating the day. "Today, we gather to engage with the historical, cultural, and intellectual heritage represented by the Chinese language," he said. "As one of the oldest and richest languages in the world, it carries thousands of years of human innovation." He emphasized that mastering Chinese opens new doors for students, enabling them to connect with one of the world's most influential civilizations and participate in global academic exchanges.
Dr. Saman Hussein, Dean of the College of Languages at Salahaddin University, also delivered a speech thanking Soran University for the partnership and discussing the academic benefits of Chinese language studies.
The event concluded with several theatrical and cultural performances were held, including presentations by students from the Chinese Language Department who shared their experiences of learning Chinese. The students demonstrated Chinese characters and how to read them. This was followed by Sichuan dance and opera performances, as well as Chinese songs. This was followed by a diverse exhibition was held featuring various handmade products, games, and Chinese books.
Additional Images
