Vice Minister of Education Chen Jie led a delegation to Iceland from Oct. 20 to 21.

During his visit, Chen met with Ásdís Halla Bragadóttir, Permanent Secretary of Iceland’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation. Chen praised the fruitful collaboration between China and Iceland in various education sectors, such as student exchanges, university partnerships, and language teaching, which have contributed to strengthening cultural ties and bilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of implementing President Xi Jinping’s proposal to double youth exchanges with Europe over the next three years. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in key areas such as geothermal technology, polar research, and biopharmaceuticals, while also enhancing collaboration in digital education, STEM education, and language teaching.

Chen’s visit also included meetings with Rector Jón Atli Benediktsson of the University of Iceland, Director Bjarni Richter of the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme, and officials from Reykjavík University. He discussed strengthening collaborations in geology and geothermal energy between universities and research institutions in China and Iceland. Additionally, Chen visited the Chinese language teaching point at the University of Iceland’s Confucius Institute, where he engaged with local government officials on educational and cultural matters.