Participants listen to a speech during the World University Presidents Forum in Shenzhen, Aug 13,2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

SHENZHEN - Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong called for more cooperation and cultural exchanges among China and foreign countries, to promote the friendship and international cooperation in the world.

Liu made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the World University Presidents Forum here on Saturday.

As an important base to cultivate senior talents and vital source of creating new knowledge and thoughts, university should take on the mission endowed by the times, strengthen the training of various talent persons, and promote the cultural understandings and cooperation cross boarders, Liu said.

Liu noted that it's very important to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation among universities all over the world. Chinese government always attaches high importance to the exchanges and cooperation of advanced education, and encourage Chinese universities to setup a win-win relationship with universities around the world.

The forum, in line with the Shenzhen Universiade, was themed "New Mission and Talents Training." The forum aimed at enhancing exchanges and cooperation among universities from home and abroad and attracted 163 university presidents from 68 countries and regions over the five continents.

The opening ceremony also saw the founding of Shenzhen Universiade International Scholarship Foundation.