Halil Akkanat, president of the Turkish-German University (TGU) in Istanbul, led a delegation and visited the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE).

UIBE President Xia Wenbin gave the delegation an introduction to the UIBE, the university's development, disciplines and internationalization. Xia said that Turkey, a melting pot of Eurasian cultures, is an important cooperation partner for China to advance the Belt and Road Initiative. He added that the UIBE hopes to further strengthen cooperation and communication with Turkish universities under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Halil Akkanat gave details of recent developments at the TGU, as well as its cooperation pattern and management experience in regard to its partnerships with various German universities. Akkanat said he hopes the TGU will have close cooperation with the UIBE and that both institutions will actively carry out projects involving the exchange of teachers and students.

Xia and Akkanat, on behalf of their respective universities, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on academic cooperation.