The Confucius Institute jointly established by Jiangsu University (JSU) and the University of Niš in Serbia held its 2026 annual Council meeting at JSU on September 16.

Chen Feng, Vice President of JSU and Chinese Chair of the Institute’s Council, attended, together with Gao Jing, former Chinese Director of the Institute, and staff of International Office. The Serbian side was represented by Vesna Lopičić, Serbian Chair of the Council; Vladimir Jovanović, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy; Ivan Jovanović, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Serbian Director of the Institute; Srđan Glišović, Dean of the Faculty of Occupational Safety; and Maja Stojković, Director of the Publishing Center and coordinator of the Chinese studies accreditation.

Chen Feng commended the Institute’s achievements over the past year in improving Chinese-language teaching, developing new models of university-enterprise cooperation and supporting international research collaboration platforms. He said JSU would continue to support the Institute and to pursue deeper and broader cooperation between the two universities on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefit.

Gao Jing reviewed the Institute’s cultural activities, Chinese-language teaching and academic exchanges in 2025, and reported on progress under its 2026 work plan, including its application to establish a Confucius Classroom at the Zijin Bor Chinese Language Teaching Center.

Vesna Lopičić reviewed the progress made since the two universities established the Institute, and said the University of Niš would continue to work closely with JSU in Chinese-language teaching, cultural exchange and other fields.

Ivan Jovanović reported on the Institute’s final accounts for 2025 and the use of its funds in 2026.

The two sides discussed ways to expand exchanges and cooperation, and agreed to build on the Institute’s role as a bridge to deepen cooperation in multilingual education programs, area studies and environmental and occupational safety, and to move ahead with inter-university exchange programs.

(Source: International Office)