China News Agency, Houston, June 2 (Reporter Sha Hanting) Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang visited Rice University in Houston, Texas on the 2nd local time and met with the school's president, David Leebron.
Li Dawei welcomed Qin Gang's visit and said that he has an indissoluble bond with China.
Li Dawei said that during his 18 years as president of Rice University, cooperation with China is an important part of his work and an important part of Rice University's internationalization.
Li Dawei said that Rice University currently has more than 1,000 Chinese students, who occupy an important proportion in daily teaching and scientific research. The school will continue to provide them with a good learning and living environment.
Li Dawei said that the current US-China relations are facing difficulties and challenges, and university education has always played a special role in promoting the two countries' people-to-people bonds, which is also the best investment for the future.
In the post-epidemic era, we need to redouble our efforts to repair the impact of the epidemic on U.S.-China people-to-people and cultural exchanges, restart exchanges and cooperation, and allow people from all walks of life in the United States to learn about China, the Chinese people, and Chinese culture through their visits to China.
Qin Gang expressed his high appreciation for Li Dawei's efforts to promote educational exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States over the years.
Qin Gang said that university exchanges and educational cooperation are not only of academic significance, but also an important link between the two peoples, especially young people, and play an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and cognition.
Qin Gang said that the consulate general in Houston was forced to close two years ago, and all circles in the southern United States were cut off from China. Some people continued to suppress and destroy educational and cultural exchanges between China and the United States due to political factors.
The purpose of his trip is to rebuild contacts with people from all walks of life in the southern United States and promote exchanges and cooperation.
Qin Gang expressed the hope that Rice University will continue to promote friendly cooperation with China and provide a safe and secure learning and living environment for Chinese students studying at the school.
The Chinese Embassy in the United States is committed to promoting Sino-US educational cooperation and is willing to continue to provide support and convenience for American universities including Rice University to conduct exchanges with China.
On the same day, Qin Gang presented a certificate of honor to Li Dawei in recognition of his contributions and achievements in promoting China-US people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
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