On December 22nd, Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Vice Chancellor, Xu Xuemin, welcomed Joan Valadou, the French Consul General in Shanghai, commonly known in along with his team at the university's Minhang campus. They were joined by the Education Consul, Séverine BOUE.

Vice Chancellor Xu Xuemin warmly welcomed the French Consul General and his team, highlighting the crucial role of the French Consulate General in Shanghai in fostering substantial collaborations between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and French academic institutions. These collaborations span areas like education, research, and cultural exchanges. She noted the deep-rooted history between the university and French institutions, a relationship that dates back over a century. In light of the upcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France in 2024, she looked forward to a range of activities aimed at strengthening bilateral friendships and collaborations. Xu Xuemin expressed hope for the consulate's support in co-organizing cultural events, further enhancing exchange and cooperation in education, research, and culture.

Consul General Joan Valadou was honored to visit Shanghai Jiao Tong University once again. He was particularly moved by his participation in a commemorative event at the university's Ruijin Hospital, a collaboration with France, earlier this year. He highlighted the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology (SPEIT), a joint venture with four leading French engineering schools, applauding its high educational standards and the remarkable French skills of its students as a model of Sino-French educational collaboration. In light of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France, he mentioned France's plan to host a variety of celebratory events, including a French Tourism Festival and a series of sports activities in the lead-up to the Olympics. The consulate, he assured, would work hard to promote further bilateral exchanges.

Following the meeting, the delegation toured the new building of the engineering school, partook in its Winter Solstice cultural activities, and engaged closely with its French faculty and young students. Consul General Joan Valadou commended the students, calling them ambassadors of Sino French friendship.

The meeting was also attended by officials and educators from the International Cooperation and Exchange Office, as well as from the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology (SPEIT).