Chinese President Xi Jinping recently replied to a letter from Central Asian students at China University of Petroleum-Beijing (CUP), encouraging them to make greater contributions to the ties between China and Central Asian countries. On May 18, Jiangsu University (JSU) organized a conversazione for the outstanding representatives of international students from The Belt and Road countries to learn the spirit of Chinese President Xi Jinping's replying letter. Pro. Li Hongbo, Secretary of the CPC JSU Committee, Pro. Yan Xiaohong, President of JSU at that time, Pro. Yang Daojian, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC JSU Committee and Director of Publicity Department attended the conversazione. Associate Prof. Huang Ting, Secretary of CPC OEC Branch was the host. Attendees included the relevant leaders of Postgraduates Affairs Office, Student Affairs Office and OEC.

At the conversazione, 30 international students from 21 "Belt and Road" countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Bangladesh, Tanzania，Kenya, and other countries watched a video named Jointly Bulit a Better Future for China-Central Asia Relations with the leaders and teachers. They learnt about the history of China and Central Asian countries in expanding multi-faceted cooperation, working together and seeking common development since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 30 years ago.Pro. Yan Xiaohong led the review of the replying letter from President Xi Jinping, emphasizing that China and Central Asian countries have profound friendships and a shared future. He also introduced the China-Central Asia Summit to be held in Xi'an from May 18th to 19th, pointing out that it is the first summit held by the heads of six countries on-site in the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. In addition, he introduced the meaning from President Xi Jinping's series of speeches on China-Central Asia relations and encouraged the international students to carry forward the spirit of Silk Road, tell the stories of China and Central Asian countries, and act as messengers of friendship and bridges of cooperation.

Pro. Yan Xiaohong led the review of the replying letter from President Xi Jinping, emphasizing that China and Central Asian countries have profound friendships and a shared future. He also introduced the China-Central Asia Summit to be held in Xi'an from May 18th to 19th, pointing out that it is the first summit held by the heads of six countries on-site in the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. In addition, he introduced the meaning from President Xi Jinping's series of speeches on China-Central Asia relations and encouraged the international students to carry forward the spirit of Silk Road, tell the stories of China and Central Asian countries, and act as messengers of friendship and bridges of cooperation.

ALINA TSAI from Kyrgyzstan expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government and JSU for the valuable learning opportunity as the witness and beneficiary of the friendly relationship between two countries. She hoped to devote herself in Chinese language teaching after graduation and promote Chinese culture in Kyrgyzstan, and continuously enhance the friendship between the two countries.

“I am so happy to fulfil my dream of studying in China since a little child“, said ZHANDOS TOLEUBAYEV from Kazakhstan. He was impressed by the development of China and the kindness of the Chinese people and believed that under The Belt and Road Initiative, Central Asia countries and China would further strengthen mutual cooperation.

ODINAKHON MARUFJONOVA from Uzbekistan appreciated the high-quality conditions for study and living provided by JSU. She said President Xi Jinping's replying letter showed the world the efforts of the Chinese government to promote cooperation with Central Asia. China is a responsible major country.

GADYRMUHAMMET MAMMAYEV from Turkmenistan said that Turkmenistan and China had time honored friendly relations. He said the two countries had been cooperating more closely under the Belt and Road Initiative, and people-to-people bond had become increasingly active.

VLADISLAV NERONOV from Russia said himself had lived in China for nine years already, and President Xi Jinping's letter had touched him deeply and he was full of love for China. He plans to study for a master's degree in China and contribute to promoting China-Russia cooperation.

FATHIYA MOHAMED SAID from Tanzania believed that President Xi Jinping's letter reflected China's great spirit to help the world develop and pursue the goal of common prosperity. She is willing to communicate more with Chinese youth to better understand China and share Chinese story, so that more people can understand China's experience and wisdom.

President Xi Jinping's letter inspired and motivated JULIET WANZA NDAVI from Kenya. Through her experience of participating in the international training program on agricultural mechanization of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, she considered herself a beneficiary of China-Africa cooperation in education and hoped to bring the experience she learnt in China to help her hometown alleviate poverty and hunger.

ABDUL KADER from Bangladesh said the past ten years of The Belt and Road Initiative had witnessed closer cooperation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges between China and his country, and he had strong passion to actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road.

In his summary speech, Pro. Yan Xiaohong pointed out that the circle of friends for the "Belt and Road" construction is expanding, the number of good partners is increasing, the quality of cooperation is improving, and the development prospects are getting brighter. Chinese President Xi Jinping had put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, which had further enriched the concept of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind and The Belt and Road Initiative. He hoped all JSU international students to cherish the study opportunities, experience traditional Chinese culture and magnificent landscape of China, perceive China's development in a comprehensive manner, and act as envoys of friendship and bridges of cooperation.

(OEC)