Premier Li Keqiang pins hopes on CEE Sinologists to become “bridge builders” for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and CEE civilizations

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On the afternoon of November 5th, local time, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met at the National Library of Latvia in Riga with the Sinologist representatives, who came to attend the symposium on Sinology studies and Chinese language teaching of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, during which Li communicated and interacted with them.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meeting with three generations of Sinologists from 16 CEE countries in Riga. The photo above shows that Imre Hamar, Hungarian Sinologist and Local Director of the Confucius Institute at E?tv?s Loránd University, with Hao Qingxin as his Chinese name, shakes hands and talks with Li Keqiang.

In recent years, the booming cultural exchanges between China and CEE countries have generated enormous enthusiasm for Chinese study and learning in this region. When Li Keqiang arrived, three generations of CEE Sinologists lined up by the gate to show their warm welcome to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Li shook hands and held cordial talks with them.

Renowned Sinologist and Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Latvia Peteris Pildegovics with Bei Degao as his Chinese name presenting Li Keqiang with the Select Chinese-Latvian and Latvian-Chinese Dictionary complied by himself?

The renowned Sinologist and Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Latvia Peteris Pildegovics with Bei Degao as his Chinese name presented the Select Chinese-Latvian and Latvian-Chinese Dictionary compiled by himself as a gift to Li Keqiang, expressing his hope that the dictionary could facilitate friendly exchanges between Latvian and Chinese people. Li gladly accepted the dictionary and hailed the gift as “heavy and profound.” According to Li Keqiang, language serves as a bridge for communication and Sinologists are the “bridge builders” for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and CEE civilizations. He also hoped to witness an increase in reference books to enhance verbal and written communication and exchanges between China and CEE countries.

Li pointed out that since the establishment of the “16+1” mechanism, China and CEE countries had accelerated cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and culture. Greater enthusiasm for participating in cooperation and more urgent desire in deepening mutual understanding shown by all sides have not only brought tremendous opportunities, but also boosted higher demands for experts and scholars in China and CEE countries. It is hoped that Sinologists may publish more new and excellent works so as to make greater contributions to deepening bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meeting with three generations of Sinologist representatives from 16 CEE countries in Riga and posing for a group photo

At the end of the meeting, Li Keqiang and CEE leaders took a group photo with the Sinologists.

Story by Chen Erhou, Hao Yalin

Photos by Liu Zhen (China News Service)

RIGA, November 5th（Xinhua News Agency）

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