ZAGREB, April 18 (Xinhua) -- As part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, the first Belt and Road Physical Education Forum concluded on Thursday in Zagreb, where officials from over 20 countries discussed cooperation opportunities.
The two-day forum was an opportunity for rectors, deans and other officials to present their projects, researches, and possibilities of cooperation and exchange in physical education.
The University of Zagreb signed a cooperation agreement with Beijing Sport University on launching university sports games, laying the foundation for increased students and academic exchange. This year, for the first time, 35 Chinese students are spending a year at Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb.
"We have just agreed that next year another 100 Chinese students will come to study in Zagreb," Tomislav Kristicevic, dean of Faculty of Kinesiology, told Xinhua.
He said that the Chinese delegation is fascinated by Croatia's sports success. "They have recognized our know-how and they very much appreciate our sports expertise," Kristicevic explained.
He noted that Croatia can also learn a lot from China, especially in research field. "They have a special kind of knowledge. Their laboratories are much better equipped than ours and we can learn a lot from them."
There are no Croatian students studying at Beijing Sport University currently. Nevertheless, this is going to change in the next academic year when Beijing Sport University starts a program in English.
Gao Feng, vice president of Beijing Sport University, told Xinhua that the forum in Zagreb was a great success.
"We want to correspond to the Belt and Road strategy and expand a cooperation network through this forum among Belt and Road countries, as well with other countries around the world, to facilitate better cooperation and wider network on the basis of equality and mutual benefits," said Gao.
