Dr. Yu Zhigang, chairman of the Council of Ocean University of China (OUC), met with Mr. Guy Saint-Jacques, Canadian Ambassador to China, at Laoshan Campus on March 18th, 2014.

“Started about two decades ago, the cooperation between OUC and the institutions of higher-learning in Canada has yielded fruitful results thanks to the commitments from experts and scholars of the two sides.” Dr. Yu Zhigang said.

In the meeting, Mr. Guy Saint-Jacques gave a brief introduction to Canada’s policies in the Arctic region and its efforts as a member of the international community, as well as its priorities as the chair of the Arctic Council.

“I am greatly interested in deepening cooperation and mutual understanding between OUC and Canada,” he said. He also discussed related issues with relevant professors from OUC.

After the meeting, Mr. Guy Saint-Jacques gave a lecture on “Canada’s Arctic Priorities.” He highlighted such topics as exercising sovereignty, promoting social and economic development, protecting the arctic environment, limiting the impact of climate change on the Arctic, and dealing with the challenges to the traditional ways of life.

The Arctic Council was born in 1996 with Canada as its first Chair. Canada was also re-elected as the Chair between 2013 and 2015. The Arctic Council is committed to enhancing scientific cooperation in the Arctic region, sharing information and improving the management of the region.

The meeting was also attended by Prof. Zhao Jinping, Director of the Key Lab of Ocean Global Change and Polar Ocean Process and professor of the College of Marine Environment, and Prof. Xu Xiangmin, Dean of the College of Law and Politics.