SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) — Bryant University is set to strengthen ties with China by signing new partnership agreements with two universities when a delegation led by a senior Chinese education official visits the private school in Smithfield over the weekend.

Officials say representatives are scheduled to sign joint education partnerships with both the China University of Geosciences and the Beijing Institute of Technology Zhuhai. The signing ceremony is set for Sunday, when a Chinese education delegation led by Vice Minister of Education Ping Hao visits Bryant.