Celebrations held in university of Latvia to mark "Confucius Institute Day"

RIGA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Celebration was held on Friday in the University of Latvia to mark 2016 "Confucius Institute Day" and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relation between China and Latvia.

The activities in the auditorium of the university under the theme of "China and Latvia: One family," was also held to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of Latvia.

More than 200 people took part in the celebration, including guests from the Chinese embassy in Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, and the University of Latvia.

Professor Shang Quanyu and Professor Peteris Pildegovics are the Chinese and Latvian directors of the Confucius Institute at the University of Latvia (LUCI), Both said that after five years' development, the scale of LUCI has been constantly expanded, including its teaching sites and the number of students.

The directors wished that LUCI would continue to make contribution to the sound development of the China-Latvia relations.

Professor Indrikis Muiznieks, rector of the University of Latvia, highly appreciated the achievement LUCI has made, and encouraged all the staff to continually improve their teaching and increase the institute's influence.

Li Tao, counselor of the Chinese embassy in Latvia, said that with LUCI being an important segment in the China-Latvia education exchange, it bears the task of cultivating Chinese-speaking and culture exchange talents. He wished the younger generation of both countries could make good use of this platform so as to lay a good foundation for bilateral cooperation in broader perspectives.

Egils Dzelme, head of Asia and Oceania division of the Latvian Foreign Ministry, expressed his wish for the LUCI to cultivate more talented persons in Chinese studies, who are able to serve better in Latvia's economic development and Latvia-China friendly communication.

A gala show filled with Chinese and Latvian styles were put on by LUCI staff and local art organizations. Latvian masters of Chinese language and culture vividly demonstrated their understanding about Chinese traditional culture.

Latvian Wushu Federation showed their martial art skills and excited the audience.