Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel is set to make an official visit to China in late November, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman announced on Friday.
"At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel will visit China from Nov 24 to 29," said Lin Jian, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.
In addition, Lin highlighted the long-standing diplomatic ties between China and Luxembourg based on mutual respect and benefits, and expressed China's willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
"Luxembourg, a founding member of the European Union, is a friendly partner to China. Over the past more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between them, the two countries have always adhered to principles of mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and shared development," he said.
"In recent years, China and Luxembourg have achieved fruitful cooperation results in sectors such as air freight, finance, and iron and steel making, which has delivered tangible benefits to both peoples, and which has also meant positive contribution to promoting China-EU cooperation and maintaining stability of international industrial and supply chains. China is willing to work with Luxembourg to keep enhancing friendship and mutual trust, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and fostering new advancements in bilateral relations," said the spokesman.
Deputy prime minister of Luxembourg to visit China in late November: spokesman
The 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference was held in north China's Tianjin Municipality from Wednesday to Friday, spotlighting advancements and international partnerships in vocational training.
With the theme "Innovation Empowers the Future, Skills Enlighten New Lives," the conference hosted over 1,200 domestic and foreign representatives, including more than 600 overseas guests from over 100 countries and regions.
A major highlight was the establishment of the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Alliance, aimed at providing the most comprehensive, balanced, representative and inclusive international platform for vocational education, according to the organizers of the conference.
China's contributions to global vocational education were showcased, including the expansion of Luban Workshops to over 30 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Named in honor of the ancient Chinese craftsman, engineer and inventor Lu Ban (507－444 B.C.), these workshops integrate academic education and skills training, offering 60 specialized programs in 14 disciplines.
According to official data, more than 200 vocational colleges in China have partnered with institutions across 70 countries and regions, established over 400 programs.
Li Fei, dean of the Railway Power Academy of the Tianjin Railway Vocational and Technical College, highlighted the success of the first Luban Workshop in Thailand.
"The Thailand Luban Workshop is the first of its kind established overseas by China, primarily focusing on the training of high-speed rail talents. Chinese and Thai educational institutions jointly formulated the teaching and curriculum standards for the workshop, aiming to provide a talent pool for the operation of the China-Thailand high-speed railway," Li said.
The conference also featured the World Vocational College Skills Competition, where top vocational talents competed, further strengthening international exchanges in technical education.
"China's experience in vocational and technical education plays a significant role globally and has already been promoted to many other countries," said Beisembayev Gani Bektaevich, Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The conference was jointly sponsored by China's Ministry of Education, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and the Tianjin municipal government.
Global collaboration in focus at 2024 Vocational Education Conference in Tianjin
