The tenth anniversary of the Confucius Institute at Addis Ababa University (AAU) was celebrated and its term was extended through singing memorandum of understanding in the presence of Samuel Kifle (PhD), the Interim President of AAU, His Excellency Zhao Zhiyuan, Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of China to Ethiopia, and other high ranking government officials at Ras Mekonnen Hall of the University on the 4^th of December 2023.

In his opening remarks Dr, Samuel Kifle recognized the team at the College of Humanities, Language Studies, Journalism and Communication (CHLSJC), and the Confucius Institute (CI) for the success they have achieved in the past ten years. He also appreciated the Embassy of China to Ethiopia for the support extended to the CI and BFSU to open Amharic Language teaching.

According to Dr. Samuel, for Ethiopian students having access to learn Chinese will avail them tremendous opportunities for their success. “Cognizant of this, AAU has created and strengthened collaboration with universities from China attached great importance to having CI and supported the realization of its goal,” he reiterated.

Dr. Samuel further stated that marking the 10^th anniversary of the CI at AAU aims at even greater objectives of solidifying the past achievements and chart new areas of collaboration for the mutual interest of Ethiopia and China.

“Being the nation’s first autonomous flagship university, AAU will continue to expand and create new collaborations for running joint programs, student and staff exchanges, joint research, etc.,” he stated further.

The Interim President of AAU finally said that the Confucius Institute will remain to symbolize what can be achieved together based on the will and support of the concerned offices.

H.E. Zhao Zhiyuan, Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of China to Ethiopia, on his part said that as an academic and professional platform of Chinese teaching and cultural exchanges, the CI has been contributed to teaching Chinese to Ethiopian students, strengthening China-Ethiopia educational and cultural cooperation, and enhancing mutual understanding as well as friendship between the two peoples.

According to the Ambassador, as the relationship between the two countries has been elevated “All Weather Strategic Partnership”, more and more talents are needed who can speak each other’s language and that understand each other’s culture for greater cooperation and brighter prospects. For this, “the Confucius Institute can and should play a notable role,” he added.

Professor Zhang Jingagn, Board Chair of Tianjin University of Technology and Education (TUTE) stated that the CI at AAU has been committed to providing professional and high-quality Chinese teaching services and cultural exchange activities between China and Ethiopia to meet the growing needs of Ethiopian society for learning Chinese and understanding Chines society and culture.

Mr. Kora Tushine, State Minister at the FDRE Ministry of Education, appreciated AAU and TUTE for their joint efforts in establishing the CI at AAU, and the Institution made positive contributions to promote the friendship between the two nations through language education and cultural exchange. “It has opened a window of opportunity for Ethiopian society to learn Chines language and understand China as well as its culture,” he added.

Photo: OSCI

Editor: Abraham Girmay