Minister of Education Chen Baosheng of China Visits St. Petersburg State University

On June 29th local time, Chen Baosheng, Chinese Minister of Education, paid a visit to St. Petersburg State University in Russia. He received a warm welcome from Nikolay Mikhaylovich Kropachev, Rector of the university and nearly a hundred teachers and students.

Chen Baosheng highly praised St. Petersburg State University for its outstanding Sinology teaching and quality of scientific research. He pointed out that Chinese language teaching has a tremendous role to play in enhancing the friendship between China and Russia. He encouraged the Faculty of Oriental Studies and the Confucius Institute at St.Petersburg State University to unceasingly carry forward the fine traditions of Chinese language teaching, and strive to become a cradle of talents who are dedicated to facilitating friendly exchanges between China and Russia.

Chen Baosheng delivering a speech

Alexey Rodionov, Standing Deputy Director of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, briefed Chen Baosheng on the fruitful results St. Petersburg State University and the Confucius Institute have achieved in Chinese language teaching and cultural activities in recent years. Since 2004, the International Conference “Issues of Far Eastern Literature” organized by the Faculty of Oriental Studies and the Confucius Institute, has attracted some 150 sinologists from various countries in the world. With the great support of the Confucius Institute at St. Petersburg State University, the Faculty of Oriental Studies has established a top-ranking translation team in Russia, which has translated and published over 20 works of contemporary Chinese literature. The introduction of the works of such prominent Chinese contemporary writers as Mo Yan, Tie Ning, and Han Shaogong to Russia has made positive contributions to allowing Russian people to know the current development of China’s literature and to enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples. Currently, the university and the institute are home to more than 300 Chinese language learners.

Alexey Rodionov introducing the achievements in Chinese language teaching and cultural activities

The translation works

Mirzoev Farid, a student from the Faculty of Law of St. Petersburg State University, shared his experience of learning Chinese and aspiration of working hard for promoting the friendship between the two countries in fluent Chinese. Polina Butske, a student from the Faculty of Oriental Studies, performed a Chinese flute song Riverside Village in My Dream. Escal, a student from the Faculty of Management, gave a lively and humorous performance of Kuaiban Foreigners Learning Chinese. Their performances have won thunderous applauses and high compliments from the guests.

Mirzoev Farid sharing his experience of learning Chinese

Polina Butske playing the Riverside Village in My Dream on the flute

Escal performing the lively and humorous Kuaiban Foreigners Learning Chinese

At the end of the event, Chen Baosheng took group photos with the teachers and students present. He encouraged them to look to the future and make persistent efforts.