Albania launches Tirana Confucius Institute

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Albania launches Tirana Confucius Institute

(Xinhua) 08:11, November 19, 2013

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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Monday launched the Confucius Institute at the University of Tirana, and expected strengthened bonds between Albania and China.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Rama noted that the Albanian government is committed to strengthening the bonds through academic and cultural collaboration, alongside continuing governmental and business exchange.

Rama said the institute added a new dimension to the Albania-China relations.

"Present in the most renowned international universities, I am confident that this presence, which is welcome to our country, will also help further promote cooperation in other sectors," Rama noted.

Albanian Minister of Education and Sports Lindita Nikolla considered the opening of Confucius Institute a significant step in the Albania-China relations.

She added that this institute would also constitute an added value to the University of Tirana, not only in learning Chinese language and culture, but also in organizing various activities.

The Rector of University of Tirana, Dhori Kule, said in his address that the Confucius Institute would enhance the quality of this university.

Kule and Han Zhen, Principal of Beijing Foreign Studies University, signed an official cooperation agreement as the Confucius Institute is a partnership between Tirana and Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Han said the primary task of the Institute is to teach the Chinese language, organize cultural activities, including lectures and exhibitions, and support local businesses with information and assistance in engaging with the Chinese market.

Chinese Ambassador to Albania, Ye Hao, considered the opening of the Confucius Institute in Tirana a milestone in the relations between the two countries.

"The Confucius Institute will give a fresh impetus to the friendly relations and understanding between the Chinese and Albanian peoples. Each country needs to better know the other countries and be open to them. Only in this way we can jointly enjoy the development of the world," the Ambassador said.

Supported by Hanban, the Chinese National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, 435 Confucius Institutes have been established in 117 countries and regions.