The program to train diplomatic translators and interpreters at DEIS, CFAU, aims at cultivating competent high-level professionals for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. In order to broaden the horizon of the students in this program, promote their understanding of the status quo of international politics and economy and encourage their research on such international issues as China-US and China-EU relations, the Department of English and International Studies and the Office of Foreign Affairs of CFAU invited the former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Malta, Dr. Alex Sceberras Trigona to pay a visit to CFAU as a visiting scholar from April 1st to 21st 2018 and to give lectures to Class 2020 in this program, among many other academic activities during the stay. Prof. Yi SHI, Dean of the Department of English and International Studies was the sponsor of Dr. Trigona’s visit.

Dr. Trigona held the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta from 1981 to 1987, and now he is the Maltese Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO). During his visit, Dr. Trigona gave a series of lectures on the China-US trade issues. Meanwhile the students simulated both bilateral and multilateral negotiations with his guidance. The negotiations were highly related to the current international situation, covering such fields as economy, law and diplomacy. Besides, Dr. Trigona also gave lectures on EU-US relations and WTO which were attended by students from other grades and majors as well.

After the series of lectures and simulations, Dr. Trigona gave feedback on the performance of the students and spoke highly of them. The Department of English and International Studies also talked to the students and got their feedback on the lectures. Most students think that his teaching is highly demanding and beneficial which includes extensive and cutting-edge topics, interactive simulations and enlightening discussions. The Department is making great efforts to explore ways to establish effective mechanism for such training practices.