Meeting between the University of Sarajevo Rector and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China: Focus on Education, Science, and Student Support

On Wednesday, 29 July 2026, UNSA Rector , Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, met with H.E. Li Fan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Yang Nan, Third Secretary at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, and Mr. Miroslav Živanović, Head of the Rector's Office and Local Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sarajevo.

Rector Zaimović thanked the Ambassador for her visit and for the successful cooperation established to date between the University of Sarajevo, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, and partner institutions from China. He emphasized the importance the University places on developing this partnership, particularly given the significant progress the People's Republic of China has achieved in education and scientific research—specifically in the fields of artificial intelligence, modern technologies, and infrastructure.

During the discussion, the Rector also addressed the link between the development of artificial intelligence and the quality of governance, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and the responsible use of new technologies to enhance the operations of public institutions. Ambassador Li Fan noted that the results China has achieved in artificial intelligence stem largely from long-term state strategies, systematic planning, and targeted investment in science, education, and technological development. The Ambassador also presented the Embassy's current activities, including support for the establishment of the "Research Center on a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity in Bosnia and Herzegovina," which was recently unveiled to the public in Sarajevo. Discussions also covered preparations for study visits to the People's Republic of China, scheduled for the second half of October and intended for young leaders and other target groups from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Rector Zaimović expressed full support for the Embassy's planned activities, emphasizing that the University of Sarajevo stands ready to cooperate and provide assistance in their preparation and implementation.

Special attention during the meeting was devoted to the program of ambassadorial scholarships and grants. Ambassador Li Fan explained that the program aims to support talented and gifted students, as well as students with disabilities and those facing financial hardship. The University of Sarajevo expressed its readiness to actively participate in the program's implementation, particularly given the experience and capacity of its Student Support Office. Cooperation between the University and the Embassy in this area will be formalized through an appropriate agreement.

Ambassador Li Fan also announced upcoming cultural and artistic programs organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Rector Zaimović confirmed the University's readiness to participate in the implementation of these activities as well, in accordance with its capabilities and the Embassy's needs and expectations. The interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the cooperation to date and a shared commitment to its further development, particularly in the fields of higher education, science, modern technologies, student support, academic exchange, and culture.