Associate Vice President GU Zhen meets with ZJU Alumna and Somali Ambassador to China Hodan Osman Abdi

On July 2, Hodan Osman Abdi, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to China and a PhD graduate of Zhejiang University’s College of Media and International Culture, returned to her alma mater. She was welcomed by GU Zhen, Associate Vice President of Zhejiang University.

During the meeting, GU Zhen briefed Ambassador Hodan on the University’s latest developments, highlighting recent progress in artificial intelligence, innovative talent cultivation, and alumni entrepreneurship. He noted that, as a distinguished alumna and an accomplished diplomat, Ambassador Hodan has made significant contributions to educational and cultural exchanges between China and Somalia, as well as between China and Africa. He expressed his hope that she would continue to serve as a bridge linking Zhejiang University with universities in Somalia and across Africa, further expanding cooperation in higher education.

Reflecting on her return to the alma mater, Ambassador Hodan thanked the University for the education she received and the warm welcome extended to her. She said she was proud to witness Zhejiang University’s remarkable progress in recent years.

Noting the broad potential for cooperation between China and Somalia as strategic partners, Ambassador Hodan said she looks forward to promoting collaboration between Zhejiang University and Somali institutions in areas including medicine, agriculture, and energy through joint talent development, academic exchange, and research cooperation.

She also expressed her delight at taking part in the filming of a documentary marking Zhejiang University’s 130th anniversary, adding that she hopes to further strengthen the University’s global alumni network and help inject fresh momentum into educational and cultural cooperation between China and Somalia, as well as between China and Africa.

The meeting reaffirmed Zhejiang University’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with its international alumni and expanding cooperation with institutions around the world through education, research, and people-to-people exchange.

Adapted and translated from the article written by SUN Mo
Translator: FANG Fumin
Editor: DING Chenwei