2016 Celebration of “Confucius Institute Day” & The 5th Anniversary of the Confucius Institute at University of Latvia & The 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relation between China and Latvia was held in LU
In the afternoon of September 23rd, 2016 Celebration of “Confucius Institute Day” & The 5th Anniversary of the Confucius Institute at University of Latvia & The 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relation between China and Latvia was held in the Auditorium of University of Latvia, the theme of the celebration being “China and Latvia: One family”.
Guests from Chinese Embassy in Latvia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Xin Hua News Agency, University of Latvia, Confucius Institute at University of Latvia (LUCI), Riga Technical University, Daugavpils University, Latvia University of Agriculture, Transport and Telecommunication Institute, Riga Culture Secondary School, Riga 34. Secondary School, Jelgava Spidola Gymnasium, Chinese Association in Latvia, Huawei Technology, Latvian Chinese Studies Association, Latvia Wushu Federation, Latvia-China Association of Culture, Wind Blow Band from Northern Light Culture Castle, Perspektiv Art Studio, Ghetto Dance Academy, and guests from all walks of life were present at the celebration, totaling more than 200 people.
Professor Shang Quanyu and Professor Peteris Pildgovics, the Chinese and Latvian Directors of the LUCI gave a warm welcome to all the guests. The directors said, after 5 years’ development, the scale of LUCI has been constantly on the increase, including its teaching sites and student numbers. This thriving situation can’t be achieved without the public’s caring and support. The directors expressed their gratitude to the guests, and wished that LUCI would continue to make contribution to the sound development of China-Latvia bilateral relations.
Professor Indriķis Muiznieks, the Rector of University of Latvia, Mr. Li Tao, the counselor of Chinese Embassy in Latvia, and Mr. Egils Dzelme, Head of Asia and Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia also gave addresses, expressing their congratulations to the 5th LUCI anniversary and 25th diplomatic anniversary. Professor Muiznieks highly appreciated the achievement LUCI has made, and encouraged all the staff to continually improve their teaching quality and increase the institute’s influence. Counselor Li said, with LUCI being an important segment in 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 good foundation for bilateral cooperation in broader perspectives. Mr. Dzelme expressed his wish for the LUCI to cultivate more talented persons in Chinese studies, whom are able to serve better in Latvia’s economic development and Latvia-China friendly communication.
In the following section, a gala show filled with Chinese and Latvian styles were put on by LUCI staff and local art organizations. Latvian local 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 whole auditorium. 11-year-old Chinese learner Matha smoothly sang the tongue-twister embedded “Zhongguo Hua”. Karina the president of Latvian Chinese Studies Association is also capable of dancing Hip-Hop, which has Chinese style combined in it. Students from Riga Culture Secondary School and Riga 34 Secondary School chorused Chinese classic songs “When is the moon clear and bright”, “Colorful cloud chasing the moon”, “A grateful heart” and “Song and smile”, bringing beautiful artistic conception and nice memory to the audiences. Jelgava Spidola Gymnasium put on a music performance featuring autumn celebration and brought the audiences into seasonal atmosphere. Anna from Latvian Academic of Music and artists from Northern Light Culture Castle showed their musical talents and played classic and folk music respectively. And the volunteer Chinese teachers also demonstrated their understanding about Chinese charm in singing and dancing. With a magic show at the end, the gala show came to a conclusion.
After the celebration, Chinese and Latvian guests continued their exchange in the cafeteria and enjoyed Chinese cuisine together.
