Wang Ning, Secretary of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, met with Robert C. Merton, an American who had won the Nobel Laureate in Economics, in Kunming on June 2. Merton is also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Wang Ning meets with Robert C. Merton in Kunming on June 2.
Wang welcomed Merton and his delegation to Yunnan, and briefed them on the province's economic and social development, progress in ethnic unity and progress, as well as its advantages in ecological environment, biodiversity, and clean energy.
He noted that in May this year, President Xi Jinping held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who was on a state visit to China. The national leaders reached important consensuses that will chart the course for China- U.S. relations.
Wang praised Merton for his efforts in promoting educational, academic, and people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, which have enhanced mutual understanding between the two peoples.
He hoped that through this visit, Merton would know more about Yunnan and foster friendship for cooperation. By building bridges between Yunnan and American universities, research institutions, enterprises and localities, Merton can help in friendly cooperation between China and the United States.
Wang Ning (right) presents a gift to Robert C. Merton.
Merton thanked Yunnan for its warm hospitality and congratulated the province on its achievements in development.
He said this was his first visit to beautiful Yunnan and Kunming, and he was deeply impressed by the hospitable people, the picturesque villages, the thriving flower industry, and the harmonious coexistence of ethnic groups.
Yunnan has achieved remarkable success in poverty reduction. Merton hoped for more opportunities to explore and understand Yunnan further, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and yield more results of friendship.
Reporting by Zuo Chao and Zhou Can
