A delegation from Portugal's Social Democratic Party (PSD), led by party Secretary-General and parliamentary leader Hugo Soares, visited the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing Thursday.

A key stop on the delegation's China trip, the visit focused on deepening Sino-Portuguese dialogue and people-to-people exchanges, helping to enhance and substantiate bilateral educational cooperation.

UIBE Party Secretary Huang Baoyin met with the delegation. He briefed the delegation on UIBE’s talent development, international cooperation and exchanges, and international student education, highlighting outcomes achieved through the university's cooperation with Portuguese higher education institutions.

Soares spoke highly of UIBE for its accomplishments in global reputation, talent development and international exchanges.

Following the meeting, Huang accompanied the delegation on a tour of the university's history museum, where he introduced the school's development history, academic strengths and talent cultivation achievements.

After the tour, Soares had a meeting with UIBE faculty and students. In his address, Suarez noted that robust bilateral engagement across economics, diplomacy, culture, education and investment rests on long-standing historical ties and deep-rooted cooperation.

He highlighted progress in China-Portugal educational collaboration, including mutual recognition of academic qualifications, teacher training and education initiatives linked to Sino-Portugal trade, which have bolstered bilateral talent flows and academic cooperation.

Suarez called on both sides to pursue sound, stable ties in a win-win spirit, quoting the proverb "many hands make light work."

Huang said that UIBE will capitalize on the visit to encourage more Chinese students to learn Portuguese and welcome more Portuguese students to pursue further studies in China.

During a question-and-answer session, Suarez shared perspectives on youth exchanges, cultural identity and priority areas for China-Portugal cooperation.

Young people embody the future of bilateral ties, he emphasized.

Suarez suggested students deepen mutual understanding and recognition through coursework and the study of Portuguese historical epics.

He added that higher education institutions should strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation, and encourage young people to take part in international engagement with an open, inclusive mindset and global vision.