Before Gao Rongguo went to take up the post, Liu Xiangrong expressed that since the establishment of the Confucius Institute at Kazan State University in May, 2007, under the leadship of the Chinese Language Council International and Chinese Embassy in Russia, and the support of HNU and the concerned departments at HUN, Yan Zhike, the first dean, and Sun Hanping, a Chinese teacher, had overcome many difficulties, taken great efforts and strived forward. Therefore, the Confucius Institute at Kazan State University obtained great achievements, and the students learning Chinese increased from 5 to 28. They also held many cultural activities, which brought about good influence in Kazan. The Confucius Institute at Kazan State University became the important publicity window of our university to foreign countries, especially to Russia, and it was the highlights of our foreign affairs in recent two years. Liu Xiangrong hoped that Gao Rongguo could work harder, make a progress and achieve new goals of the Confucius Institute, and try to surpass to make the Confucius Institute step forward. At the same time, Liu Xiangrong emphasized that Russia was Chinese friendly neighbors and was also a strong country with deep and rich cultures and advanced technology in the world. Russia had made friendship with China for a long time. HNU established conventional friendship with Kazan State University and other universities in Russia. The exchange with Russian universities should everlastingly be our focal point in our foreign affairs. The Confucius Institute at Kazan State University should play an active role in the exchange with Russia and develop the exchange with other Russian universities. Meanwhile, Liu Xiangrong encouraged Gao Rongguo that in his term of office he should improve his Russian, get familiar with Russian culture, make more friends and be worthy the name of “a Russian Specialist”.

Gao Rongguo thanked President Liu and the University for their care and trust. He expressed that he would work heart and soul and try his best to accomplish the tasks appointed by Chinese Office and the University, to develop the work of the Confucius Institute at Kazan State University.