Prof. Mohamed Khanbash, President of Hadhramout University, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese side, represented by Henan Longxiang Electric Co., Ltd. (LXDQ), to strengthen academic and technical cooperation and advance the University’s digital infrastructure.
During the signing ceremony, Prof. Khanbash welcomed the visiting Chinese delegation and delivered a briefing on the University’s academic journey since its establishment under Republican Decree No. 45 of 1993. He highlighted the University’s remarkable growth, noting that it currently offers 56 undergraduate programs, 55 master’s programs, and 13 doctoral programs, in addition to a range of specialized advisory and service centers, including the Center for Academic Development and Quality, the University Hospital and Family Medicine Center, and the Language Center. He also emphasized the University’s partnerships with nearly 100 academic and research institutions at the local, regional, and international levels.
The University President praised the deep-rooted historical ties between Yemen and the People’s Republic of China, noting Hadhramout University’s long-standing academic relations with Chinese universities since 2013. He also revealed the possibility of signing a future agreement with Shanghai University in the fields of petroleum and gas studies.
This initiative coincides with ongoing preparations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Yemeni-Chinese relations next September. A major celebration is currently being coordinated in cooperation with the local authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese Embassy, and plans to invite the Chinese Ambassador to attend.
For his part, the Chinese delegation, represented by the Executive Director of Henan Longxiang Electric Co., Ltd., Mr. Zhou Liangliang, expressed great pleasure in visiting Hadhramout University and affirmed the company’s readiness to expand cooperation and build on the strong relations between the two countries.
The delegation also delivered a detailed presentation on the activities of leading Chinese companies in the fields of electrical engineering, renewable energy systems, smart energy solutions, digital transformation, smart campus development, research, and innovation. They noted that the company holds approximately 80 patents in these areas.
The five-year memorandum includes several significant areas of cooperation. Among its key provisions is the proposal to organize a “Chinese Day” at Hadhramout University, enabling students to gain deeper insight into Chinese culture, science, and technological advancement. The Chinese side also committed to providing training opportunities for faculty members and students in various fields, including engineering and solar energy, through practical training and knowledge exchange programs at company facilities in China.
Additionally, the company expressed its willingness to host student delegations from Hadhramout University and collaborate in curriculum development, information technology enhancement, and the advancement of smart education initiatives.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdullah Baradi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Petroleum; Dr. Lotfi Bin Dahman, Director of the Center for International Relations and University Ranking; the General Manager of MICO Yemen Trading Co. Ltd.; and Mr. Adel Jawas, representative of the Chinese company.
