On May 6^th, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Shenzhen University (SZU) and the AP University of Applied Science and Arts, Antwerp. The cooperation involves areas of research and education within the field of Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Biomedical Laboratory Technology, and Nutrition and Dietetics.

The MoU signing ceremony was held online, and included Mr Wim Peeters, Consul General of the Consulate General of Belgium in Guangzhou and Mrs. Li Hui, Counselor of Chinese Embassy in Belgium Education Sector. Prof. Richard Sleeckx, Dean of the AP University Department of Health and Life Sciences and Ms. Eva Van der Linden, Head of the Nursing Department of AP University, as well as Prof. Xueji Zhang, the Vice President, Ms. Shuixian Han, Director of the International Office, and Prof. Xingzhi Xu, Executive Dean of the Medical School of SZU (alongside other senior representatives of the signing parties) also attended the ceremony.

Consul General Wim Peeters expressed his honor to witness the signing ceremony between SZU and AP. Alongside, Professor Richard Sleeckx, expressed his confidence in the prospects of cooperation between the two universities on behalf of Pascale De Groote, President of the AP University of Applied Science and Arts Antwerp.

Counselor Ms. Li Hui explained that Shenzhen is considered as one of the core cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and detailed that SZU is a distinctive and comprehensive university. All those involved expect fruitful outcomes from the cooperation between these two universities.

Coincidentally, the year 2024 also marks the 10^th anniversary of strong relations and a comprehensive, friendly, and cooperative partnership between China and Belgium. Indeed, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang respectively met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Beijing in January this year, and agreed to expand common interests and push bilateral ties to a new level. During the MoU signing, Professors Xueji Zhang noted that the foundations of cooperation between SZU and AP were laid as early as 2019.

SZU, as a university in the Special Economic Zone, has made outstanding contributions in talent training, scientific research, and local economic service. Notably, just last year, SZU celebrated its 40^th birthday last year.

Meanwhile, Antwerp is Belgium's largest port, an important industrial city, and a comfortable place for studying abroad and living. The AP University of Applied Science and Arts Antwerp is an applied university, with colleges that include the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, the Faculty of People and Society, the Royal Conservatoire, and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. AP University carries out both practice-oriented scientific research and research in the arts. The practice-oriented scientific research aligns with the areas of expertise of the departments and the Innovation Lab at AP University. The signing of the MoU between the two universities will no doubt further enrich their international cooperation.