Chinese oil firm China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) on Friday donated the second batch of computer equipment to the University of Juba in South Sudan.
Lu Jiangbo, President of CNPC (Nile) said during the donation ceremony that education is the cornerstone of national revitalization, adding that it embodies the future and hope for the South Sudanese people.
“CNPC always pays high attention to the education development of South Sudan, and will make continued endeavor to improve the schooling facilities through cooperation with the University of Juba,” Lu said in Juba.
CNPC donated additional 25 computers and 15 Uninterruptible Power Supply units (UPS) equipment to the school of computer science and information technology at the leading university in the country.
In March 2024, the Chinese firm donated 20 computers and 15 UPS to the school of engineering, and 1 40kwv UPS to the main computer lab.
Lu also noted that they are willing to join hands with the South Sudanese people, and work together with the Ministry of Petroleum to strive to ensure smooth transportation of crude oil through Port Sudan following disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan.
Robert Mayom Kuoirot Deng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba commended CNPC and other Chinese firms for supporting South Sudan in critical economic and development sectors.
“We have seen quite a number of things you have done for this nation, when you look to the South, you get a beautiful building which is the central bank, and we also have Juba Teaching Hospital which was renovated and quite a number of projects which you have done,” Mayom said.
Mayom asked CNPC to support the university with scholarships especially in the field of science and technology and agriculture.
In addition, Mayom noted the need for cooperation with CNPC to provide practical training for university students in the fields of geology and minerals, and environmental science.
Ma Wenjun, Deputy Head of Mission in the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, said that the development of China-South Sudan relations is inseparable from the involvement and contributions of the Chinese companies including CNPC, which have deeply cultivated the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and regarded South Sudan as a second home.
He noted that CNPC has not only made a significant contribution to the development of the oil industry in South Sudan, but also engaged in charity endeavors.
“All this not only demonstrates the sound friendship between China and South Sudan, but also reflects the Chinese companies’ commitment to fulfilling their social responsibility,” Ma said.
Ruben Marial Benjamin, Head of the China Desk in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the relationship between the Republic of South Sudan and the People’s Republic of China remains resilient since independence in 2011.
He noted that close collaboration between the two foreign ministries of the two countries has yielded excellent results, adding that more than 500 South Sudanese nationals have so far attended capacity building trainings and seminars in China.
“Now we are preparing about 25 South Sudanese nationals to go to China for trainings and seminars, by doing that we are trying on our part as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to connect people of South Sudan with the Chinese people,” Marial said.
Since 2011, CNPC has been actively involved in social welfare undertakings in various fields such as healthcare assistance, natural disaster alleviation and infrastructure development in South Sudan.
CNPC also provided support to construct the main computer hall of the University of Juba, the third protection of civilian camp in Juba, and Paloch Friendship Hospital in Upper Nile State.