On June 22, Paulo Henrique Pinheiro, President of the State University of Piauí (UESPI), and Saullo Castelo Branco, Director of the Asia Office of Investe Piauí, led a delegation to visit Fujian Normal University (FJNU). Ling Qidan, Secretary of the FJNU Party Committee, warmly received the guests and presided over the meeting. Representatives from the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, the College of Computer and Cyber Security, the College of Chemistry and Materials Science, and the Overseas Education College attended the discussions.
Secretary Ling extended a sincere welcome to the delegation and briefly introduced FJNU's history. He noted that, as the birthplace of higher education in Fujian Province, FJNU has long upheld a tradition of openness and international engagement. With the China–Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership continuing to deepen and friendly exchanges between Fujian Province and the State of Piauí growing ever closer, the external foundation for deeper cooperation between the two universities is strong. This year, the two sides formally signed a memorandum of understanding, and an online Chinese elective course has been successfully launched—marking a promising start to collaboration. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that both sides would take this visit as a new starting point to expand and deepen practical cooperation in language teaching, cultural exchange, faculty and student mobility, and academic research.
President Paulo Henrique Pinheiro expressed sincere gratitude for FJNU's warm reception. He noted that the visit was made at the specific request of the Governor of Piauí, reflecting the state government's strong commitment to cooperation between the two universities. He observed that higher education institutions in Brazil are eager to deepen collaboration with Chinese universities, particularly in talent cultivation and academic exchange. He spoke highly of the practical achievements already made and looked forward to broadening the scope and enriching the substance of cooperation on the existing foundation.
Director Saullo Castelo Branco emphasized that education is fundamental to regional development, and that the State of Piauí attaches great importance to educational cooperation with Fujian Province. He noted that Piauí's office in Fujian is actively serving as a bridge for educational collaboration, and expressed hope that more Brazilian students would come to FJNU for study and exchange in the future.
During the visit, the delegation toured the campus and the university history museum, visited laboratories at the Overseas Education College and the School of Life Sciences, and held in-depth discussions on concrete directions for future cooperation.
