Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - The Confucius Institute (CI) in Addis Ababa University has been instrumental in fostering educational and cultural cooperation between China and Ethiopia, according to Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Zhao Zhiyuan. The institute's commitment to teaching Chinese to Ethiopian students aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the CI, as an academic and cultural exchange platform, underscores the Chinese government's emphasis on international educational cooperation. He highlighted the role of Confucius Institutes worldwide as bridges of friendship and cultural connectors between China and the global community.
The 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at Addis Ababa University was celebrated in the presence of officials from the university, the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, Chinese diplomats, and students. Ambassador Zhao remarked on the institute's significant growth over the past decade, acknowledging its role in cultivating talent for bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields.
Emphasizing the 'all-weather strategic partnership' between China and Ethiopia, Zhao expressed the need for more individuals proficient in each other's languages and cultures to foster greater cooperation and brighter prospects. He is confident that with support from both governments and collaborative efforts from Tianjin University of Technology and Education (TUTE) and Addis Ababa University, the institute will continue to contribute significantly to cultural and civilizational exchanges.
Interim President of Addis Ababa University, Samuel Kifle, reflected on the deepening and comprehensive cooperation between Ethiopia and China. He noted the importance of learning Chinese for Ethiopian students, considering China's global economic and demographic significance. Acknowledging the strategic collaboration with Chinese universities, Kifle emphasized the university's commitment to the Confucius Institute and its goals.
Celebrating the institute's 10th anniversary, Kifle outlined objectives to solidify past achievements and explore new collaboration areas, underscoring AAU's role in expanding joint programs, exchanges, and research initiatives. He expressed gratitude for the support from the Chinese Embassy and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in introducing Amharic language teaching.
The partnership between Addis Ababa University and Tianjin University of Technology and Education, established in 2011, led to the opening of the Chinese language teaching center at AAU in November of the same year. A recent agreement extends the operation of the Confucius Institute at Addis Ababa University for another five years.