Exclusive Interview: First Confucius Institute in Panama Helps Promote Cultural Exchanges Between China and Panama
——Interview with Wu Junhui, Panamanian Director of Confucius Institute at the University of Panama

The Confucius Institute at the University of Panama unveiled its nameplate on September 17th in Panama City, announcing the official establishment of the first Confucius Institute in Panama. While receiving an interview from Xinhua News Agency, Wu Junhui, Panamanian Director of the institute said the establishment of the Confucius Institute will provide a valuable platform for local people to learn Chinese and know about Chinese culture, contributing to the cultural exchanges between China and Panama.

Wu Junhui expressed that the Confucius Institute at the University of Panama was co-established by the University of Panama and Beijing International Studies University, which is located in the campus of the University of Panama. The main task of the institute is to teach Chinese language and conduct cultural exchanges. Introductory Chinese class, elementary class and advanced class will be offered as well. Moreover, the Confucius Institute is also equipped with a library and an audiovisual department.

Wu Junhui said the idea of establishing a Confucius Institute in Panama could be traced back to 11 years ago. The propellants of the university have made constant efforts over the years, and the university also offered strong support. Wu Junhui also extended sincere gratitude to Wang Weihua, Charge d' Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Panama, and the Chinese partners for their support and help in all areas.

China and Panama announced the establishment of diplomatic relations this June. In the unveiling ceremony of the Chinese Embassy in Panama on September 19th, Juan Carlos Varela, President of Panama, and Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, jointly witnessed the unveiling of the Confucius Institute.

“The Confucius Institute is a world-renowned Chinese teaching base… The Confucius Institute at the University of Panama offers a place for Panamanian citizens to learn Chinese language and know about Chinese culture.” Wu Junhui said.

“For the staffs of airports, customs, police stations, and immigration inspection departments who often deal with affairs involving Chinese people, or the employees who work in Chinese-funded companies, they will have an ideal place to learn Chinese.” Wu Junhui said, “There are more than 200,000 overseas Chinese in Panama, and their descendants also have the needs to learn Chinese language and culture. The establishment of the Confucius Institute also provides facilitating conditions for preserving and spreading traditional Chinese culture among overseas Chinese communities.”

With respect to teaching staff, Wu Junhui said that the Confucius Institute at the University of Panama and its Chinese partners have already signed an agreement on sending teachers to Panama at regular intervals.

Wu expressed that the decoration of teaching area in the Confucius Institute is still under way and is expected to be completed at the end of this year. The new semester of the Confucius Institute will start at the beginning of 2018.

In the small garden in front of the teaching building, the journalist saw the workers placing a statue of Confucius, which was given by the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong as present. Wu expressed his wish for holding more cultural activities and exchanges to pay tribute to the prestigious Chinese educator.

(Story by Su Jin, Xinhua News Agency, Panama City, September 17th)