Source: CCTV.com

06-19-2008 09:58

The first Confucius Institute in the Australian State of New South Wales has opened at the University of Sydney. It's the fourth Confucius institute in Australia. The new centre, will move to the fore as a valuable resource for students wishing to learn the Chinese language and about Chinese culture.

The first Confucius Institute in the Australian State of New South Wales has opened at the University of Sydney.(Photo: CCTV.com)

Qiu Shaofang, consul general of People's Republic of China in Sydney and Professor Marie Bashir unveiled the logo and statute of Confucius. The ceremony marked the opening of the Institute at the University of Sydney. The other three Confucius Institutes in Australia are at the University of West Australia, the University of South Australia and the University of Melbourne.

The University of Sydney will co-operate in its teaching programs with the renowned Shanghai Fudan University. The new facility will become the leading Chinese cultural and language center in New South Wales. In both countries there is strong sentiment that the school will bring better and deeper understanding between China and Australia.

It's also another step answering the Australian Prime Minister's call for the nation to become the most Asia-literate nation in the western world.

Editor:Liu Fang