Madam Liu Yandong calls for building a “spiritual express train” for connectivity between Chinese and German people

On her arrival at the Confucius Institute at the Free University of Berlin, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong receiving a warm welcome from the teachers and students of the Confucius Institute

On November 25th, Madam Liu Yandong, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, inspected the Confucius Institute at the Free University of Berlin, where she held a discussion with directors of some Confucius Institutes in Germany.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong visiting the photo exhibition of the achievements of Confucius Institutes in Germany

Madam Liu visited the exhibition entitled “Three Hundred Years of Chinese in Germany ”, Photo Exhibition of the Achievements of 18 Confucius Institutes in Germany and “Chinese Students in Germany” Exhibition. She also observed the Chinese language teaching classes and listened attentively to the opinions and suggestions voiced by the directors of Confucius Institutes in Germany on such topics as deepening cooperation between Chinese and German higher learning institutions, international cooperation in Sinology studies and the cultivation of indigenous Chinese language teachers.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong holding a discussion with directors of some Confucius Institutes in Germany

Madam Liu noted that the Chinese and German leaders attached great importance to language education and exchanges as well as the development of Confucius Institutes. In August of this year, German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a personal appearance at the inauguration ceremony of the Confucius Institute in Stralsund, which reflected that she paid high attention to the development of the Confucius Institutes and Sino-German cultural exchanges. With the concerted efforts made by the leaders of the two countries, the Confucius Institutes in Germany continued to grow, thus building a “spiritual express train” for connectivity between Chinese and German people.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong talking with the students of the Confucius Institute at the Free University of Berlin

Madam Liu observed that, at present, China-German relations enjoyed sound momentum of growth, with the width, depth and heat of bilateral exchanges and cooperation having reached an unprecedented level. As the exchanges between the people of the two countries are ever more frequent, the role of Confucius Institutes will become more prominent and the Sinologists will shoulder a weightier mission to facilitate exchanges and enhance understanding. She also expressed the hope that both sides could give full play to their strengths, make good use of the platform of Confucius Institutes and take an active part in the “Confucius China Studies Program” to cultivate a new generation of young Sinologists, so as to present to people an authentic, multidimensional and all-sided China.

A group photo of the attendees at the event

According to Madam Liu, the Confucius Institute is not only the institution seeking equal-footed cooperation between China and foreign countries, mutual benefit and win-win outcome, but also an open, transparent and inclusive platform. We will adopt an open and inclusive attitude and make joint efforts with all parties to leverage the role of Confucius Institutes as a platform for spreading culture, enhancing mutual understanding as well as promoting exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations. We also strive to provide better service for the people from all walks of life to learn the Chinese language and understand China. It is hoped that all parties will continue to care about and support Confucius Institutes as well as create a good environment for the sound and sustainable development of Confucius Institutes.

Story by Peng Dawei

BERLIN, November 25th (China News Service)