China's Confucius Institute celebrates 10th anniversary in Lebanon

Confucius Institute at Saint-Joseph University in Lebanon has marked the 10th anniversary of its foundation in a celebration attended by officials of Lebanon and China.

The event was held on Thursday evening, attended by Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian, president of the university Salim Daccache and Chairman of Fransabank Adnan Kassar, as well as a Chinese delegation and Lebanese officials.

"China has more than 1.3 billion people which means that one in every six in the world speak Chinese," Kassar said, stressing "this shed the light on the importance of learning Chinese language and to know this great people."

He added that many young men in Lebanon are learning Chinese language nowadays amid enhancing bilateral relations, which also reflected better ties between the Arab World and China.

Professor Wang Yiwei from Renmin University of China talked about the Belt and Road Initiative, pointing that "China is to revive the Silk Road and to revitalize Euro-Asian civilizations with China."

He stressed the Silk Road will pass through Central Asia and the Middle East to reach Europe and will allow many countries to participate in the initiative, which is designed to help narrow the gaps between rich and poor countries and bring prosperity.

"We should attract more visits to know and learn from each other, and to have more communication experiences," the professor added. Endit