In order to discuss President XI Jinping’s reply letter to USTB Pakistani students, the university organized a panel meeting on May 19^th, 2020. Mr. WU Guilong, Chancellor of USTB, Prof. YANG Renshu, President of USTB, Prof. QUAN Liangzhu, Vice Chancellor of USTB, and Prof. XUE Qingguo, Vice Chancellor and Vice President of USTB, attended the meeting. Students from China, Pakistan, Jamaica, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and Sao Tome and Principe attended the meeting.

Abdul Sattar, a Pakistani PhD student from the class of 2018, School of Materials Science and Engineering, said that President XI’s reply was of great significance to the students, because it showed that he was not only concerned for China but also the world. He went on to say that the profound friendship between Pakistan and China is beyond measure, before expressing his gratitude for the Chinese government’s efforts in fighting against the pandemic. Midrar Ullah, a Pakistani PhD student from the class of 2019, Donlinks School of Economics and Management, said that President XI had actively promoted Sino-Pakistani cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, providing infrastructure and opportunities for countries and improving people's standard of living. As an overseas student, he promised to study hard and make great contributions to the community for the benefit of humanity’s shared future. Omar Howard Beckford, a Jamaican postgraduate student from the class of 2017, School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, noted that even while dealing with the coronavirus at home, China had also shared its experiences and donated supplies to other countries, which he highly appreciated. Taechinee Prasnakorn, a Thai postgraduate student from the class of 2019, Donlinks School of Economics and Management, highly praised President XI’s principle of “people’s lives first”. She also shared stories of overseas students helping each other during the pandemic period and expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government and USTB for providing care and help for them during the COVID-19 outbreak. Ernest Tafara Mapuranga, a Zimbabwean undergraduate student from the class of 2016, School of Civil and Resources Engineering, pointed out that he was very lucky to be protected by the Chinese government and USTB during the most serious period of the pandemic, as he believed China to be the safest place at this time. He concluded by thanking his Chinese friends and teachers, who helped him with his troubles and studies during the pandemic period. Laura Moniza, a Sao Tome and Principe undergraduate student from class of 2019, School of Civil and Resources Engineering, said that she was very excited to receive President XI’s reply. She went on to say that thanks to close Sino-African cooperative efforts, there were many opportunities for her to study science and Chinese culture in China.

NIU Xiaomeng, a postgraduate student from the class of 2018, School of Civil and Resources Engineering, noted that as President XI said in his reply letter, students from different countries should have closer communication and cooperation in scientific research, thus promoting a more scientific mindset enriched by diverse cultures. Meanwhile, students should tell the world more about China’s story, and devote themselves to building a world where people’s hearts are connected as well as a community with a shared vision for humankind. MA Peng, an undergraduate student from the class of 2017, School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, was one of the students who had stayed on campus during the coronavirus outbreak and volunteered to participate in USTB’s efforts to send medical supplies to overseas Chinese students. He said that USTB not only sent medical supplies, but also a message of care from the university to all students. He said that President XI’s reply was a message of encouragement to all Chinese and foreign students and he looked forward to becoming closer with his fellow students from all over the world.

The Pakistani students’ mentors, Prof. HE Wei from the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, USTB and Assoc. Prof. MA Hongzhi from the School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, also shared their views. Prof. HE Wei said that they would follow President XI’s instructions to provide more advanced scientific research conditions, academic guidance, and thoughtful care to overseas students, showing them the inclusiveness of Chinese culture. Furthermore, they will promote China’s advanced concepts of scientific research to the world and make their own contributions to the community with a shared vision for humanity. Assoc. Prof. MA Hongzhi introduced how the School of Energy and Environmental Engineering was improving its methods of overseas talents cultivation, both raising the quality of recruited students and promoting greater cultural exchange between Chinese and foreign students in recent years. He noted that overseas student education will be further developed to attract more excellent youths to study in China.

Then, the leaders of USTB further spoke with students about their challenges and achievements in their studies. Mr. WU Guilong said that President XI’s message was quite inspiring, and thanked the students for taking the time to study and understand the letter. He continued saying that the faculties and students of USTB should learn from the spirit of the letter and apply it to the development and reform of our university. During the time of the pandemic, students at home and abroad have actively supported USTB’s work in preventing and controlling the spread of the coronavirus, ensuring the security of the campus. Mr. WU continued saying that while working on epidemic prevention measures, USTB will create more chances for Chinese and foreign youths to communicate. He concluded by expressing his hope that Chinese and foreign youths would be ambassadors of friendship, telling China’s story to the world.

After the meeting the leaders, faculty members and students celebrated four of the students’ birthdays.