Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang attended the inauguration of Confucius Institute of University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand , on Nov. 1, 2009. The new Confucius Institute, jointly founded by Canterbury University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, is the first of its kind in New Zealand's South Island.
Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang L gives the tablet to Rod Carr, Vice-Chancellor of University of Canterbury, during the inauguration of Confucius Institute of University of Canterbury, Nov. 1, 2009. [Xinhua]
Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech during the inauguration of Confucius Institute of University of Canterbury, Nov. 1, 2009. [Xinhua]
In his address during the opening ceremony, Li said that cultural and educational cooperation are important parts of relations between the two nations. China has become the largest source of overseas students and the fastest growing source of international tourists to New Zealand, while people in New Zealand are taking a strong interest in studying the Chinese language and getting acquainted with Chinese culture. He also commented that this new Confucius Institute represents another achievement of intercultural exchanges and cooperation and shows that the two nations bilateral exchanges and cooperation have been expanded not only in trade, but also in culture, education, and science & technology.
