A four-member delegation of COMSATS, led by Dr. S.M. Junaid Zaidi, Executive Director COMSATS, paid a visit to the new Ambassador of China to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Nong Rong, on 3rd February 2021. Other members of COMSATS’ delegation included Maj. Gen. (R) Muhammad Tahir, Advisor (China Desk); Mr. Tajammul Hussain, Advisor (Programmes); and Mr. Qaiser Nawab, Assistant Director (Programmes). The meeting which was held at the Embassy of China in Islamabad was also attended by Mr. Jia Wei, First Secretary on Science and Technology, and Ms. Bao Zhong, Director Political and Press Section at the Embassy.

This introductory meeting with the Ambassador was aimed at briefing him about COMSATS’ programmes and activities as well as to explore new avenues of strengthening cooperation with China through Ambassador’s good office.

Felicitating H.E. Mr. Nong Rong on assuming charge of Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Dr. Zaidi apprised him of COMSATS – China collaboration. He stated that China has representation at all statutory bodies of COMSATS through its Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST); and Centres of Excellence – the International Center for Climate and Environment Sciences (ICCES) and the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (TIB).

The Honourable Ambassador was also acquainted with COMSATS’ programmes and activities in 27 COMSATS Member States and 24 Centres of Excellence. COMSATS’ recent collaboration with the Torch Hi-tech Industry Development Centre of the Chinese MoST, and the Chinese Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) were also noted.

While discussing the prospects of launching multilateral projects under the umbrella of Belt and Road Initiative, it was mentioned that COMSATS and Chinese MoST have also signed an agreement on ‘Cooperation Initiative on Silk Road of Innovation’ for ST&I cooperation for sustainable development. Further, it was hoped that Chinese government could play a catalytic role in institution building (research and academic institutions as well as S&T parks) in COMSATS’ Member States as well as initiating programmes under the MoST and ANSO umbrella.

H.E. Mr. Rong thanked Dr. Zaidi for apprising him on the role COMSATS is playing for the promotion of Science and Technology and pledged full support of his office for the realization of various matters discussed during the meeting.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Zaidi looked forward to further strengthening the relations between COMSATS and China during the tenure of the incumbent Chinese Ambassador. He also invited the Honourable Ambassador to visit COMSATS Secretariat.