The 20th Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) Summer University opened in Beijing Jiaotong University on Aug 15.

Ambassador Zhang Yan, executive director of ASEF, Ambassador Xie Bohua, senior official of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) as well as vice-president of Jiaotong University, Liu Jun were present and addressed the opening ceremony.

Forty-seven young people from 46 membership countries of ASEM will have a study and exchange journey through six cities in three countries, including Beijing and Harbin in China, the Russian cities Vladivostok, Chita and Irkutsk, and Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, in accordance with the schedule of the summer event themed on "Gateways to Asia and Europe -- connectivity by land, sea and air". Through this brief training journey these young people will sense the challenges and opportunities of current and future connectivity by land, sea and air.

Ambassador Xie Bohua extended a warm welcome to the participants at the opening ceremony. He then introduced the ASEM and described its aim of promoting new and comprehensive partnerships and strengthening mutual dialogue, understanding and cooperation.

The connectivity between Asia and Europe is significant to China's Belt and Road Initiative, according to Vice-president Liu Jun's remarks at the ceremony. As a university that highlights transport-related disciplines, Jiaotong University is striving to be an international education and training platform to cultivate professionals in the transport field to facilitate the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and also to provide theoretical and technological support for rail transport innovation and development. This year’s summer university is dedicated to "connectivity", the theme of the Asia-Europe Meeting's 20th anniversary, said Ambassador Zhang Yan. This session surpasses those of previous years in size and impact, which will not only promote academic exchange between Asia and Europe but also encourage understanding and trust among the young participants. The 47 young people taking part were selected from 8,222 applicants.

Counselor Sun Xiangyang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of International Economic Affairs spoke at the ceremony about the Belt and Road Initiative, analyzing from a macro view the strategy's role in promoting Asia-Europe-Africa cultural exchange and economic development. Professor Jing Yun of Jiaotong University spoke on Chinese rail transport.

Before they depart for Harbin, the participants of the summer university will visit Jiaotong University and communicate with its students. They’ll also take in the attractions of Beijing, including the Forbidden City and Bird Nest stadium. A series of activities related to transport will be held during their time in Beijing.