On the morning of May 21, H. E. Monday Semaya K. Kumba, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan and Former Ambassador to China, along with his delegation, visited the School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University (hereinafter referred to as "Tsinghua SPPM") and delivered a keynote lecture titled "South Sudan-China Relations and Prospectives of the Current and Future Cooperation" to faculty, students, and alumni. Monday Semaya K. Kumba had previously studied in the International Master of Public Administration (IMPA) program at Tsinghua SPPM from 2010 to 2011. Zhu Xufeng, Dean of Tsinghua SPPM, Yin Chengzhi, Associate Dean, Guo Xinning, Senior Director of International Programs, Shi Shuting, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, and over 30 Chinese and international students and alumni attended the event. The lecture was hosted by Yin Chengzhi.
Group photo of the guests and host
Zhu Xufeng delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the School. He first expressed his congratulations on Mr. Kumba's new appointment as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan and extended a warm welcome to his visit once again. He noted that during Mr. Kumba's tenure as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of South Sudan to China, he had played a significant role in fostering the strategic partnership and friendly exchanges between China and South Sudan, as well as promoting cooperation in education, trade, and other fields between the two countries. Mr. Kumba had also studied in the International Master of Public Administration (IMPA) program at Tsinghua SPPM from 2010 to 2011. As an outstanding alumnus of the IMPA program, the School was proud of Mr. Kumba's achievements and hoped that with his continued support and promotion, the friendly relations between the two countries would reach a new level.
Zhu Xufeng delivering welcome remark
Deputy Minister Kumba expressed sincere gratitude to the School and its faculty members, and offered expectations to the students attending the lecture. He encouraged them to cherish their valuable learning opportunities, continue to take pride in being a SPPMer after graduation, and strengthen their communication and connections with the School. Subsequently, Deputy Minister Kumba delivered a keynote lecture titled "South Sudan-China Relations and Prospectives of the Current and Future Cooperation" He introduced the basic situation of the Republic of South Sudan in terms of its national history, land resources, foreign policy, and economic development. He also reviewed the political exchanges, economic and trade cooperation, as well as cultural and health exchanges between South Sudan and China since South Sudan's independence. He emphasized that China, as the world's second-largest economy and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, plays a crucial and positive role in the stable development and national prosperity of South Sudan as a key strategic partner. Furthermore, Deputy Minister Kumba provided valuable insights on deepening the bilateral relationship and promoting in-depth cooperation in various fields.
Monday Semaya K. Kumba delivering his speech
Subsequently, Deputy Minister Kumba engaged in an in-depth exchange with the audience, responding to questions raised by both Chinese and international students one by one. The atmosphere of the interaction was warm and friendly.
Yin Chengzhi hosting the lecture
On-site lecture
The Educational Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in China, Mr. Chuol Gorden Duol Chuol, the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Stephen Enosa Gama Yoani, and staff from the International Cooperation and Office of Tsinghua SPPM attended the event.
