Madam Xu Lin, Director General of Hanban, visits the Confucius Institute at National University of Laos

On May 28, Madam Xu Lin, Counselor of the State Council, Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters and Director General of Hanban, paid a visit to the Confucius Institute at National University of Laos.

Madam Xu Lin holding talks with Prof. Dr. Soukkongseng, President of National University of Laos

Prof. Dr. Soukkongseng, President of National University of Laos, extended warm welcome to the delegation led by Madam Xu Lin. He said that the Confucius Institute at National University of Laos serves not only as a platform for Chinese language teaching and the spread of Chinese culture but also as a bridge of friendly exchanges between China and Laos, and he hoped that the younger generation would carry forward the friendship between the two countries. He further said that Hanban has always greatly supported the Confucius Institute at National University of Laos, and the Chinese Embassy in Laos has also paid close attention to its construction and development. Since its establishment, the Confucius Institute at National University of Laos has contributed a lot. For instance, it once helped train local Chinese language teachers for eight provinces in northern Laos and prepare Lao officials of leading roles of departments or equivalents for their visits to China.

Madam Xu Lin said that, on September 9, 2009, former Chinese President Hu Jintao witnessed the signing ceremony of the establishment of the Confucius Institute at National University of Laos, and that Hanban has put the Confucius Institute at National University of Laos on the list of 100 Model Confucius Institutes Across the World and is willing to provide it with full support. Madam Xu Lin finished her speech with her sincere hope that the study programs of the Confucius Institute could be introduced into the system of curricula education of National University of Laos.

Later, Madam Xu Lin attended the welcome ceremony held by National University of Laos on invitation. In her speech, she remarked that she was really touched when seeing the good preparations and the logos of the Confucius Institute all over the hall. She added, as neighboring countries, China and Laos share a deep friendship. Madam Xu Lin also hoped that National University of Laos would incorporate Chinese language courses into its credit course system and encourage more students to study in China, and that the Confucius Institute would in the shortest possible time set up Master’s program in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages and construct a teaching building.

Faculty members and students from National University of Laos putting on a Taiji performance

At the welcome ceremony, teachers and students from the Confucius Institute put on some wonderful performances, receiving rounds of warm applause.

Madam Xu Lin holding discussions with Chinese language teachers from the Confucius Institute

A group photo of Madam Xu Lin, teachers and students from the Confucius Institute and other attendees

Madam Xu Lin held discussions with the faculty and volunteers of the Confucius Institute on the same day. She cordially inquired about their work and lives overseas, and expressed her gratitude for their efforts to promote Chinese language and culture despite all difficulties. Madam Xu Lin’s humor and kindliness made the whole discussions relaxing and pleasant.