On September 5th, Marie-Thérèse SOMBO AYANNE SAFI MUKUNA, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Minister of Higher Education, arrived in China for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Accompanied by advisors Patty Kalay Kisala and Guy Bumoko Makila Mabe, as well as Thierry Abankwi Ipama, the Director of Distance and Open Education, they visited Beijing Forestry University. The university's President, Li Zhaohu, attended the event to facilitate and engage in discussions.

During the meeting, Li Zhaohu extended a warm welcome to the delegation from the DRC's Ministry of Higher Education and University Affairs. He provided an overview of Beijing Forestry University, highlighting its significant accomplishments in ecological restoration and forestry breeding. Li remarked that Marie-Thérèse Sombo Ayanne Safi Mukuna's visit, coinciding with the 2024 Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, marks a meaningful step forward in China-Africa relations and presents a valuable opportunity for further collaboration. Beijing Forestry University is eager to partner with institutions in the DRC to jointly promote ecological sustainability and green, low-carbon development.

Minister Safi Songbo Ayane commended Beijing Forestry University as a distinguished institution specializing in forestry. He noted that DRC, with its vast forestry resources, is in great need of expert guidance for its planning efforts. Minister Ayane expressed a desire for closer collaboration with BFU, hoping to enable more Congolese students to pursue their education there and subsequently contribute to the development of their country.

Then, the Vice Dean of the International College outlined the current status of international students and the African educational initiatives at our university. Meanwhile, the Dean of the School of Economics and Management described the school's efforts in China Aid Scholarship Programs in Africa.

Following the meeting, Marie-Thérèse Sombo Ayanne Safi Mukuna and her delegation toured the museum.

Relevant staff from President's Office, Office for international Relations, School of Economics and Management, International College participated in the exchange activities.

Written by Wang Jiayu
Photo by Jiang Yue
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang