Recently, RWTH Aachen University, a strategic partner of USTB ushered in the 150th anniversary of its founding. Prof. YANG Renshu, President of USTB, sent a congratulatory letter. Prof. YANG Renshu pointed out that RWTH Aachen University is world-renowned university, known for its strong educational capabilities. Since the establishment of friendly relations between the two sides, many fruitful achievements have been made in the fields of personnel training, academic exchanges and scientific research cooperation over the past 41 years, with a deepening of cooperative consensus and an improvement in the quality of cooperative programs. Prof. YANG expressed his wish to visit RWTH Aachen University after the end of COVID-19 pandemic, further expand practical cooperation in various fields, improve contacts and exchanges between the two sides, and jointly promote the mutual development of both sides.

Prof. Ulrich Rüdiger, Chancellor of RWTH Aachen University, replied with his appreciation. He said that it is the common vision of both sides to cope with global challenges together, and that the encouragement and support of USTB has increased the confidence of RWTH Aachen University to overcome difficulties and meet greater challenges. RWTH Aachen University will, as always, welcome the teachers and students of USTB to visit and exchange, and build a bridge of friendship between the two universities.

USTB and RWTH Aachen University have a long history of cooperation, profound friendship and mutual trust. In 1979, the two sides signed the first cooperation agreement between a Chinese and German university since the reform and opening up period commenced, which set a precedent for higher education cooperation between China and international institutions. In 2019, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the cooperative relationship between the two sides, Chancellor Ulrich Rüdiger led a delegation to USTB and planted a tree of friendship, shared memories of cooperation and discussed future development strategies with Prof. YANG, witnessing an improvement of the friendship between the two sides. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of the year, the two sides exchanged letters of support, expressing encouragement and condolences to each other, and sharing knowledge of epidemic prevention and control on campuses as well as online education strategies, all while conveying determination and conviction to overcome the pandemic.

High-level university cooperation is an important force for gathering international cooperation. It is expected that both sides will use the 150th anniversary of the founding of RWTH Aachen University as an opportunity to once again meet, build further consensus on cooperation, and promote the long-standing friendship between the two universities in facing the international challenges and the mission of the times.