On June 15, 2023, the 12th installment of the "New Horizons Overseas" lecture series was successfully executed online, hosted by the Civil, Commercial, and Economic Law School at China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL). Professor Rami Khalil from Armenia delivered a presentation titled "Eastbound Horizons: The Harmonized Accord of Trade Law Between China and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region." The lecture was moderated by Professor Zhang Qinyu, Director of the Economic Law Institute.

(Professor Zhang Qinyu chaired the lecture.)

To initiate the lecture, Professor Zhang acquainted the attendees with Professor Rami Khalil's background, research specializations, and his academic collaborations with China. Currently positioned at Sichuan International Studies University, Professor Rami Khalil has long been an advocate for cultural exchanges between China and Arab nations. In 2022, he published a bilingual book in Arabic and Chinese, "Chongqing in Fog," detailing the history of Chongqing's urban evolution and its revolutionary journey. Professor Zhang hoped that the dissemination of Professor Rami Khalil's research on trade law between China and the MENA region would enrich the students' perspectives.

(Professor Rami Khalil delivered the speech.)

In his lecture, Professor Rami Khalil discussed salient issues in international trade, energy cooperation between China and the MENA region, the historical interrelations between China and the MENA region, regional trade and the WTO, intellectual property protection, and regional cooperation, among other topics. He highlighted China's unwavering commitment to equitable consultations, mutual benefit, inclusivity, innovation, and progress. Professor Rami Khalil anticipates China to persistently fortify cooperation and connectivity with enterprises in the MENA region, and foster sustainable development.

(Professor Rami Khalil outlined the scope of the MENA region.)

The lecture concluded in a congenial and receptive atmosphere, leaving the audience enlightened about the harmonious interplay of trade laws between China and the MENA region.