China, US agree education a significant pillar in relations

China Education Association for International Exchange and the Institute of International Education issued a joint statement on Monday in a bid to consolidate the results of the China-US Higher Education Dialogue.

The dialogue, held in New York in September, reiterated the importance of cooperation in the field of higher education and regarded educational ties as a significant pillar in the China-US bilateral relationship, the statement said.

The discussion focused on figuring out how each side understood existing problems, and proposing pathways for addressing future challenges. "The two sides engaged in frank and honest conversations about areas of concern in each country," it said.

The two parties reached consensus in cultural communication, especially collaboration between higher education institutes.

The two sides affirmed their commitments to support the two-way flow of students, teachers, scholars, researchers and administrative staff members from universities, the statement said.

They will promote opportunities for short-term exchange programs, internship, summer schools, cultural visits and research fellowships, it added.

The two organizations suggested establishing a China-US Education Cooperation Consultative Committee.