China-Africa educational exchanges developing rapidly

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- China-Africa educational exchanges and cooperation are developing rapidly, highlighted by a series of programs, said Lu Shaye, director-general of the Department of African Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

"During the academic years of 2010 and 2011, China has provided 5,710 government scholarships to African countries, fulfilling the pledge of 5,500 scholarships announced by China at the 4th Ministerial Conference two years ahead of schedule," said Lu, also the secretary-general of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The 4th Ministerial Conference was held in November 2009 at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

"China-Africa people-to-people exchanges have yielded remarkable results and China-Africa friendship has scaled to a new height," Lu said.

According to Lu, China-Africa Joint Research and Exchange Program is moving forward smoothly, and China-Africa academic exchanges and cooperation are booming as well.

Some university cooperation programs between China and Africa have been launched, and one-to-one intercollegiate exchanges and cooperation are also expanding.

China has opened more Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms in Africa, totaling 28 in 21 African countries.