On 19 April, a Confucius Institute was inaugurated at the University of Luxembourg in the presence of delegates from Luxembourg and China. The Institute will offer language courses and cultural activities to students and staff of the University, but also to the broader public.
“This institute is important for Luxembourg, it is important for the University. It brings China and Luxembourg closer together and builds a bridge between Fudan’s community and ours,” commented University Rector Prof. Stéphane Pallage. “It opens many perspectives of cooperation in culture, but also in research, teaching and economic development.”
The Institute is opened in close cooperation with Fudan University of Shanghai, one of the most prestigious research institutions in the Middle Kingdom. At the opening event, Jioa Yang, Chairperson of the University Council at Fudan University, pointed out that the new entity is already the seventh Confucius Institute Fudan University helps to create, adding: “We have established a deep friendship between our Universities. The joint establishment of the Confucius Institute is milestone for both of our schools.”
The inauguration openend with a traditional dance of the Chinese dragon.
The event was also attended by the Chinese ambassador in Luxembourg, Huang Changqing, and Marc Hansen, Delegate Minister for Research and Higher Education, who emphasised that the Chinese language is spoken by 16% of the world’s population and pointed to the economic and scientific benefits of a closer cooperation between the countries.
Visitors of the opening event were treated to a cultural programme including a concert of traditional Chinese music as well as dragon and lion dances.
Earlier in the day, guests could visit an exhibition on Shanghai, Chinese tea and music stands, or participate in workshops on calligraphy, Chinese paper cutting and folding.