Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University awarded highest civic honor by Liverpool

LONDON, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), a joint venture between China's Xi'an Jiaotong University and Britain's University of Liverpool, was granted the Freedom of the City by Liverpool on Wednesday, the highest civic honor of the major port city in northwest England.

The award recognizes XJTLU's contributions to China-Britain educational cooperation, the city's economic and cultural life, and marks the 20th anniversary of the joint venture. The decision was made at a city hall special meeting and approved by a unanimous vote.

"We are incredibly proud of all that Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has achieved over the last 20 years. One of the first Sino-UK joint ventures, it has grown to become one of the most recognized and successful transnational ventures globally," said Tim Jones, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool.

The success of XJTLU has brought significant economic and cultural gains to the Liverpool City Region, he added.

Xi Youmin, executive president of XJTLU and pro-vice chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said that the prestigious distinction is a remarkable tribute to the university.

"This honor will not simply be displayed, it will be carried forward as motivation, as responsibility, and as a reminder that the boundaries we break today lay the foundations for others to build upon tomorrow," he said.