Published by: Office of International Relations Editor: Chen Machuan

WUST News On October 8, a delegation from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU), the largest comprehensive university in Ethiopia, visited WUST. The delegation, led by President Dereje Engida Woldemichael, consisted of seven members and discussed potential collaborations in faculty exchanges, student mobility, and joint research efforts. President Ni Hongwei and Vice-President Lv Yong attended the meeting.

Ni Hongwei extended a warm welcome to Dereje Engida Woldemichael and his delegation, emphasizing the WUST's strong commitment to fostering cooperation with African institutions. The WUST is not only a network collaborator of the China-Africa Innovation Cooperation Center but also serves as a demonstration base for innovation and entrepreneurship among Chinese and African youth. The WUST hopes that through face-to-face communication, both institutions will strengthen their cooperation in faculty exchanges and student mobility, thereby facilitating the further development of joint laboratories and technology transfer centers.

Dereje Engida Woldemichael expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome at WUST and gave a detailed presentation on the educational practices and distinctive disciplines at AASTU. Dereje Engida Woldemichael noted that although Addis Ababa Science and Technology University is relatively new, as one of two technological universities in Ethiopia, it has garnered significant support from the local government and businesses. He expressed the hope that today's meeting would expedite the multifaceted cooperation between the two institutions.

Lv Yong added remarks on how to achieve cooperation, stressing that facilitating both short-term and long-term faculty and student exchanges would promote the development of joint laboratories. He mentioned that the School of International Education, as the main administrative body for international students, would coordinate the specifics of the faculty and student exchanges with Ethiopia.

During the discussions, the two universities reached a consensus on cooperation in student and faculty exchanges, talent development, and joint scientific research, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The meeting was also attended by Xiao Qiaoling, Secretary of the Party Committee of the International School, and Fu Lvping, Dean of the International School. Luo Yuanping, Deputy Director of the Office of International Relations, chaired the meeting. (Office of International Relations)