The KIU delegation, consisting of Dr. Rehmat Karim, Director of KIU Hunza Campus; Dr. Faqeer Muhammad, Director of the China Study Centre; and Dr. Sajjad Haider, Director of the International Office, participated in the opening ceremony of the ‘2024 Chinese Bridge’ Summer Camp, held at Kashgar University on August 16, 2024. The ceremony was graced by the presence of top officials from Kashgar University, including the President of Kashgar University and heads of key departments, as well as representatives from Xinjiang Agricultural University, along with the international delegates and students from the Central Asia and Pakistan. Notably, over 38 students from Pakistan have participated in the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp, including 8 students from KIU Confucious Set. The camp ran from August 13 to 26, 2024, offering a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and language immersion.

The opening ceremony of the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp was presided over by Luo Haobo, member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Kashgar University. The President of Kashgar University, Prof. Maimaitiming Musha, warmly welcomed the leaders and students from Pakistan and Central Asia. In his remarks, he provided a brief overview of the university’s rich history, highlighting its achievements in talent acquisition, training, and international education. The President expressed his hope that this summer camp will significantly strengthen academic cooperation and foster deeper exchanges among the participating countries.

Later, the President of Kashgar University presented souvenirs   to the international delegates from Pakistan and Central Asia. On behalf of the KIU and China Study Centre (CSC), Dr. Faqeer Muhammad presented the book published by the CSC, KIU to president and the senior leaders from Kashgar University. The book entitled “Silk Road Revisited: Essays and Perspectives on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Beyond” is a value addition in the literature on CPEC and nuances of Pak China friendship.

On the first day of the event, the KIU team, along with other delegates, was honored with a dinner hosted by the President of Kashgar University. During this warm and welcoming event, the KIU team expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the President for the hospitality. They also conveyed the Vice Chancellor of KIU’s heartfelt greetings and message to the President of Kashgar University, highlighting the university’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to advancing internationalization efforts. The team highlighted the practical steps taken in this direction, underscoring KIU’s dedication to fostering global academic partnerships.

In response, the President of Kashgar University conveyed his sincere regards to the Vice Chancellor of KIU, acknowledging the efforts being made to enhance bilateral academic ties. He expressed his enthusiasm for deepening collaboration between the two institutions, recognizing the mutual benefits such partnerships bring to both universities and their respective regions.