Recently, the Office of Chinese Language Council International decided that Hunan Normal University and Russian Kazan State University could set up jointly a Confucius Institute in Russia, which is the first one of such Confucius Institute constructed jointly by HNU together with one foreign higher institution.

In order to develop friendly relationship between China and other countries, promote a better understanding of the Chinese language and culture, provide convenient and excellent studying conditions for international Chinese language learners, the Office of Chinese Language Council International is setting up “Confucius Institute” in the countries which are in need and qualified.

The chief responsibility of Confucius Institution is to develop Chinese language teaching, and it shall be a non-profit organization which has the independent status of a legal person or corporate body. The headquarters of the Confucius Institute is in Beijing, up to now, 96 embranchments are all round the world. The founding of this institute will not only be beneficial to promoting Chinese teaching and culture, and it will also be helpful for enhancing the communication and cooperation between HNU and universities in this area. We will make full use of our superior resources with the accordance of the instruction of the Office of Chinese Language Council International, and try our best to construct this institution as a model Confucius Institution.

It is reported that President Liu Xiangrong will schedule a proper time to go to Russia to attend the unveiling ceremony for the first Confucius Institute.

(Translated by Jin Lifan)