Róma Ádám, Consul General of Hungary in Shanghai, visited Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) on March 25, accompanied by Dr. Füle János Róbert, Consul for Education and Culture. Wu Lirui, Vice Chair of the University Council, met with the guests at the university’s Songjiang Campus.
Wu extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. On behalf of the university, he expressed sincere gratitude to the Consulate General of Hungary in Shanghai and to several Hungarian universities for their continued support of SISU. He noted that China and Hungary have maintained a tradition of friendship, with bilateral relations continuing to reach new heights. He emphasized that SISU has consistently placed great importance on exchanges and cooperation with Hungary in the fields of education and culture. The Confucius Institute jointly established by SISU and the University of Szeged has become an important bridge for language learning and cultural exchange between the two countries. The steady development of SISU’s Hungarian language program has trained a group of professionals with multilingual skills and cross-cultural competence. These professionals have become a key part of people-to-people cooperation between China and Hungary.
Róma Ádám expressed his appreciation for the warm reception. He spoke highly of SISU’s achievements in Hungarian language talent cultivation and Confucius Institute development. He noted that China-Hungary relations have been upgraded to an “All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the New Era.” Cooperation in trade, investment, culture and education continues to deepen. Market demand is growing for professionals who master both Chinese and Hungarian and understand bilateral affairs. He encouraged SISU to align its programs with practical needs and cultivate more outstanding young talent in support of bilateral cooperation. In response, Wu said the university will actively explore diversified talent development models. It will seek to establish cooperation mechanisms with relevant Chinese and Hungarian enterprises. It will also expand channels for talent cultivation and placement according to national priorities and market demand.
The two sides held in-depth discussions on future directions for cooperation. The Consulate General indicated that it can provide internship opportunities and practical training information for outstanding Hungarian language students at SISU. This will help students strengthen cross-cultural practical abilities and gain a deeper understanding of Hungary’s economic and social development. SISU participants drew on their teaching experience to explore possibilities for concrete collaboration in areas such as teacher exchange programs, services supporting Chinese-Hungarian business interactions, and the joint organization of cultural events.
Following the formal meeting, Consul General Róma Ádám and the accompanying delegation engaged in an extensive exchange with students enrolled in SISU's Hungarian language program. The Consul General and his colleagues shared their professional experiences and personal reflections, encouraging students to consolidate their language foundations, broaden their international perspectives, and actively participate in China-Hungary bilateral exchange activities. Students spoke enthusiastically about their language learning journeys, cross-cultural experiences, and future career plans, creating a lively and warm atmosphere.
Also attending the event were Mao Xiaohong, Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange; Qi Xin, Deputy Dean of the School of Russian and Eurasian Studies; Tong Jia, Head of the Department of Central and Eastern European Languages; and Song Xia, lecturer in the Hungarian language program.
