On April 14, Ding Xia, vice president of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), welcomed Spiros Kintzios, president of the Agricultural University of Athens, and his delegation. The meeting included Lei Haimin, dean of the School of Chinese Medicine, and Wang Xuexi, deputy director of the International Cooperation Department.

Vice President Ding introduced BUCM's strengths in academic development, research, and international cooperation. She highlighted the potential for collaboration in life sciences, medical sciences, and the commercialization of research outcomes. Ding proposed three key areas for cooperation: establishing a regular talent exchange to facilitate academic interactions; developing joint talent cultivation projects to train interdisciplinary medical professionals; and enhancing industry-academia-research collaboration to apply research outcomes effectively.

President Kintzios detailed the Agricultural University of Athens' academic strengths and expressed strong agreement with Ding's proposals. He suggested starting a visiting professor exchange program to boost academic and research collaboration and pursuing dual degree programs and joint training plans to foster an international talent cultivation system in traditional medicine. By utilizing the university’s advanced laboratory resources and expertise in technology transfer, they aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem for the industrialization of research achievements with BUCM, promoting innovation in traditional medicine.

The discussions led to a broad consensus on talent cultivation, research collaboration, and technology transfer, setting the direction for future cooperation. This meeting marks a new chapter in Sino-Greek collaboration in traditional medicine.

The delegation also toured the BUCM Museum of Chinese Medicine, experiencing the rich heritage and unique appeal of traditional Chinese medicine.