Welcoming Address on Confucius Institute Day

Honorable Embassador Mr. Yang Guoqiang, State Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Rector of Latvia University, ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
Today is really a big day because of the two great events, one is the celebration of 10th anniversary of Confucius Institute around the world (also known as “Confucius Institute Day”), the other is the celebration of 95th anniversary of Latvia University. At this joyful moment, we are very delighted to have all the friends coming from everywhere to celebrate it. Here I would like to quote from Confucius, “Isn’t it delightful to have friends coming from afar?” In 2004, the first Confucius was founded in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. During the ten years, Confucius Institute has developed very rapidly. At present, there are 465 Confucius Institute and 713 Confuicus classrooms in 123 countries. The Confucius Institute at Latvia University was founded in 2011, and has gained great achievements as well as cultivated a large number of Chinese talents. Currently, besides the Confucius Institute at Latvia University located in Rupniecibas Iela, we have also opened programme at Human Culture Institute at Latvia University, Confucius Classroom at Riga Culture Secondary School, Chinese Programme at Daugavpils University, Rezekne University and Riga 68 Secondary School. Furthermore, Hanban has already approved to open Confucius Classroom in Daugavpils and the procedure is in progress now. The development of Confucius Institute is highly related to and depends on the cooperation and support of Chinese Embassy, Latvia University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, Riga Culture Secondary School, Daugavpils University, Rezekne University and Riga 68 Secondary School. Thank you all! We sincerely hope that under our joint efforts, the Confucius Institute at Latvia University will be more than better and have greater achievements!
Thank you!