From our correspondent — On the afternoon of June 16, the University, together with the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union, held an online meeting on mining cooperation with Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU). Liu Bo, President of the University; Counsellor Zhai Dongsheng and Counsellor He Kaihui from the Chinese Mission to the African Union; Dr. Dereje Engida Woldemichael, President of AASTU; Vice Presidents Abraham Debebe Woldeyohannes and Kemo Ibrahim attended the meeting. University Vice Presidents Cui Ximin and Wang Kai also participated. Participants had in-depth discussions on advancing cooperation between the two universities in talent training, scientific research collaboration, technical training and the joint construction of laboratories, and reached an agreement on signing an inter-university Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The meeting was chaired by Counsellor He Kaihui from the Chinese Mission to the African Union.

Liu Bo stated that China-Africa friendship stretches back through centuries, and mining has long served as a key cooperation area under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Boasting abundant experience in scientific research, talent development and international cooperation in mining engineering, safety science and engineering, geological resources and geological engineering, the University has achieved new progress in frontier areas including green mines and smart mining in recent years. Addis Ababa Science and Technology University is a renowned institution in Ethiopia’s energy sector, leaving broad room for bilateral cooperation in resources and energy. He expressed anticipation for partnerships in joint research, talent cultivation, faculty and student exchanges, and technical training to jointly boost development in the mining sector.

Dr. Dereje Engida Woldemichael remarked that Ethiopia is at a critical stage of industrialization, and mineral resource exploitation acts as a major engine for national economic growth. AASTU attaches great importance to cooperation with China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing. It hopes to draw on China’s advanced experience in mining talent training and technological innovation through this exchange to support the advancement of education and mining technologies in Ethiopia. In his remarks, Zhai Dongsheng noted that cooperation between the two universities aligns with the overarching direction of China-Africa strategic cooperation and meets both sides’ needs for open development. He hoped the meeting would enhance mutual understanding and learning, and that both parties would further explore long-term collaborative ties.

This online meeting marks an important initiative of the University to actively serve the national Belt and Road Initiative and deepen higher-education cooperation with Africa. It also serves as concrete implementation of outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It carries great significance for advancing the University’s internationalized education and expanding academic exchanges with African universities. Heads of the School of Energy and Mining Engineering, Office of International Cooperation and Exchange and other relevant departments from both universities also joined the meeting.