Dr. Zheng Xiaoyun, a world-renowned Chinese anthropologist and historian in the field of water history, has been awarded an honorary degree by Greece's Aristotle university. The ceremony took place in the city of Thessaloniki at a time when Greece and China are enhancing their cooperation and strategic partnership in all sectors.

Zheng has spent decades on academic research and his love for Greece led to what he described as an honor of a lifetime, an honorary doctorate from Greece’s largest educational institution, the Aristotle University. 

One of the geology professors that nominated Zheng is Spyros Pavlides. He started the Aristotle University's academic cooperation with China in 1989. He says Dr. Zheng’s love for Greek philosophy and civilization is the driving force behind a big part of the scientist’s work. 

As the world faces serious water supply problems, Zheng has taken his academic research into the resource a step further. He believes we can learn today from what Chinese and Greek philosophers believed 2,000 years ago. 

The Aristotle University is already planning a school exchange program with China, as well as various projects that will enhance bilateral relations.