On April 17-20, Central and Southwest Asia Research Center of University of Montana, Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, and Montana World Affairs Council co-held 16th International Conference on Central Asia and Southwest Asia in University of Montana, the United States. More than 100 diplomats, scholars, experts and businessmen from countries including the US, China, Israel, Iran, Syria and Palestine attended the conference. Participants carried out in-depth discussions on topics such as Muslim identity in Europe and Central Asia, Central Asian geophysical characteristics, hotspots in the Middle East, China’s Middle East policies, Russian religious development and US role in Central Asia and Southwest Asia.

    Professor Wang Bo, associate professor Li Yi, Zhao Jun, Han Jianwei, and Ph.D. candidate Yao quan, from the Middle East Studies Institute, joined the conference, and exchanged views on topics with participants.