In the afternoon of June 7th, H.E. Mr. Monday Kumba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Sudan to China, Hon. Mr. Alex Lotiyu Elia Lado, Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism of Central Equatoria State in South Sudan, and ten other representatives paid a cordial visit to the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SPPM). The distinguished guests were received by Professor Zhu Xufeng, Dean of Tsinghua SPPM; Professor Yu An, thesis advisor of Mr. Kumba; Professor Guo Xinning, Senior Director of International Programs; Associate Professor Zheng Zhenqing, Academic Director of the International Master of Public Administration (IMPA); Associate Professor Chen Sicheng of China Institute for Rural Studies at Tsinghua University; and Ms. Shi Shuting, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Office.

Professor Zhu Xufeng warmly welcomed the delegation of representatives from South Sudan. H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba is an outstanding alumni representative of the IMPA Program at Tsinghua SPPM. Professor Zhu Xufeng conveyed his wishes for the friendly and cooperative relationship between China and African countries, being hopeful of the positive contributions and outcomes that can derive from it. H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba expressed the eagerness of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Beijing and relevant departments to continue enhancing cooperation with the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University, awaiting to initiate greater collaborations in the fields of talent cultivation, academic exchange, and other areas of relevance.

Meeting between the delegation of South Sudan and Tsinghua SPPM representatives

Group photo of the delegation of South Sudan and Tsinghua SPPM representatives

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba and his advisor Professor Yu An

After the meeting, Hon. Minister Mr. Lado delivered a presentation titled “South Sudan - General Information and Investment Prospective in Central Equatoria State” at the 161^st Mingde Forum organized by Tsinghua SPPM. The seminar was moderated by Associate Professor Chen Sicheng, with more than fifty students from Tsinghua University attending the seminar. Associate Dean of Tsinghua SPPM, Associate Professor Yin Chengzhi, participated online.

At the beginning of the seminar, Professor Zhu Xufeng expressed in his welcome remarks that China and South Sudan have maintained a profound friendship. He stated that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, their relationship has been long-standing and beneficial for their respective developments. In the past 14 years, the IMPA program has prepared nearly 400 international students, coming from over 80 countries worldwide. Among them, 14 graduates are South Sudanese. 90% of the IMPA students belong to public sectors of their respective countries. Serving as the bridge that connects China with other countries, these graduates have supported the establishment of cordial relations and have promoted the mutual understanding between their home countries and China. H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba and Hon. Minister Mr. Lado are distinguished representatives of IMPA graduates who have embraced this prominent role. Professor Zhu Xufeng said, under the framework of the Global Development Initiative, Tsinghua SPPM will continue cooperating with developing countries and increase its efforts to contribute to their development in the future.

Professor Zhu Xufeng delivering his welcome remarks

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba followed with his keynote speech. H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba started by expressing his sincere appreciation to Tsinghua SPPM and his advisor Professor Yu An. On behalf of the Government of South Sudan, he conveyed their gratitude for the support and assistance received from China. They are hopeful for the increasing cooperation between the two countries. H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba shared his best wishes and words of encouragement with the students in the audience, hoping all students will take advantage of the valuable learning opportunities, and they will increase their communication and relations with the school. At the end, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba provided a series of recommendations to Tsinghua SPPM, advising the school to expand the alumni network, to initiate forums among international graduates, to create associations, and deliver many other activities and events to promote linkages between the school and the alumni community.

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba addressing his keynote speech

During his quality presentation, Hon. Minister Mr. Lado provided an overview of the Central Equatoria State in South Sudan to the students, as well as the political ties with China, the fields of trade and economic cooperation, and the education and cultural exchanges. Hon. Minister Mr. Lado highlighted the potential for investment in South Sudan and welcomed professionals from all sectors to open discussions on investment. After the keynote speeches, students engaged in insightful talks with H.E. Ambassador Mr. Kumba and Hon. Minister Mr. Lado. They discussed actively about different topics of relevance related to South Sudan, ranging from economic policies to natural resources, talent cultivation, corruption and more.

Hon. Minister Mr. Lado delivering his quality presentation

Associate Professor Yin Chengzhi presenting online

Associate Professor Chen Sicheng moderating the seminar

Students engaging actively in the seminar

Among the representatives from South Sudan who visited Tsinghua SPPM, they were present as well Mr. Charles Joseph Wani Gore, Commissioner of Juba County in South Sudan; Mr. Jimmy Gama Hassan, Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Beijing; Mr. Mariano Rihan N. Jukuer, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Beijing; Mr. Emmanuel Laku Sule Barto and Mr. Sule Swaka Laku Busi, Officials from Central Equatoria State in South Sudan; Mr. Chuol Gorden Duol, Education Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Beijing; Mr. Martin Hakim James Albino, Official from Juba County in South Sudan; and Mr. Stephen Enosa Yoani, Public Relations Specialist at the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Beijing.

Group photo of all attendees at the seminar