On September 17, 2015, Mr. CAO Guoyong, Chairman of the University Council led the delegation to attend the 3rd Meeting of China-UK High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism and 8th Consultation of China-UK Education Ministers held in London. CAO also visited the University of Birmingham and signed cooperation agreements with the University of Birmingham and Lancaster University, respectively.

 The 3rd Meeting of China-UK High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier LIU Yandong and Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health, U.K. LIU Yandong pointed out that with joint efforts of both sides, the China-UK people-to-people exchange has gained momentum with the trend of branding, institutionalization and normalization, which facilitates the bilateral relations and friendship.

 The 8th Consultation of China-UK Education Ministers was co-chaired by HAO Ping, China's Deputy Minister of Education and Nick Gibb, Minister of State for Schools. Witnessed by both ministers, CAO Guoyong attended the consultation and signed the "Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Birmingham and Beijing Jiaotong University on the Establishment of the China-UK High-speed Railway Research Center" with Prof. Jon Frampton, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and "Statement of Intent between Beijing Jiaotong University and Lancaster University" with Prof. Andrew Atherton, Deputy Vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, respectively.

 During his visit at the University of Birmingham, CAO Guoyong held talks with Prof. David Eastwood, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. CAO Guoyong spoke highly of the achievements both sides have made on scientific research and student joint education. He hoped that both sides would take the joint establishment of the China-UK High-speed Railway Research Center as an opportunity and beginning, to make great contributions to the talent cultivation and scientific research of high-speed railway between the two countries. Prof. David Eastwood said he would fully support the construction and development of the Center and expect more cooperative fruits. CAO Guoyong also visited the Railway Research Center at the University and held in-depth discussions with Prof. Clive Roberts, Director of the China-UK High-speed Railway Research Center and high-end foreign expert of BJTU.

During the 3rd Meeting of China-UK High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism, CAO Guoyong also held talks with Prof. Andrew Atherton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University. Both sides agreed to further promote the preparations for the establishment of the Beijing Jiaotong- Lancaster University College.

Principals from the Office of International Affairs, Office of Research and School of Architecture and Design were also present at the above activities.