Confucius Institute to give new dimension to Albania-China relations

TIRANA, Nov. 18 – Albania and China have further strengthened cooperation with the launch of a Confucius Institute promoting Chinese language and culture in Albania. Speaking at the launch ceremony at the University of Tirana, where the Institute has been established, Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Confucius Institute, named after the ancient Chinese philosopher, will give a new dimension to Albanian Chinese relations.
“The Confucius Institute could be an important regional centre of cultural dialogue and scientific activities to promote Chinese language and culture,” said Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The Prime Minster also praised the Chinese interest and perfection of Albanian language, bringing the example of personal experience from a document written by Chinese embassy employee in perfect standard Albanian.
Han Zhen, Principal of Beijing Foreign Studies University 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 as quoted by Xinhua.
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.