On September 13, 2003, the then German President Johannes Rau paid a visit to Nanjing University. Acknowledging his important influence on world politics and diplomatic activities as well as his contributions to the enhancement of the Sino-German friendship, Nanjing University conferred on him an honorary doctoral degree. President Rau had spared no efforts in calling for dialogue and reconciliation among nations and in actively promoting international cultural exchanges. In the University auditorium, President Johannes Rau delivered a speech entitled “The Constitutional State – The Prerequisite for a Modern Society.”

Ex-President Jiang Shusheng of Nanjing University conferring on German President Johannes Rau an honorary doctoral degree

German President Johannes Rau holding discussion with Nanjing University students