NAIROBI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes in Africa commenced Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss the cooperation and development of Chinese language training centers across the continent.
Co-organized by the China International Foundation for Chinese Language Education, the University of Nairobi, Kenya's oldest university, and its Confucius Institute, the conference runs until June 1.
The event, themed "Promoting Localization, Development, Collaboration and Innovation of African Confucius Institutes," gathers over 100 representatives from 77 Confucius Institutes and independent Confucius Classrooms in Africa.
Senior government officials, diplomats, faculty members and students attended the opening ceremony held at the University of Nairobi.
The ceremony featured the launch of the East African Confucius Institute Alliance and the Tianjin Alumni Association Kenya chapter.
Aurelia Chepkirui Rono, principal secretary of the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs within the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, said "this conference marks a significant milestone in our shared journey toward promoting closer cooperation and sharing best practices in the teaching of Chinese language and culture."
She emphasized the crucial role Confucius Institutes play in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the relationship between China and Africa in an era of increased globalization.
Rono praised China's rich history and unique development model as a profound source of inspiration for Africa and commended Confucius Institutes for facilitating people-to-people exchanges and advancing cultural tourism.
Stephen Kiama, vice chancellor of the University of Nairobi, said that the joint meeting reaffirms the commitment of both Africa and China to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers and promote mutual exchanges.
According to Kiama, African Confucius Institutes have become centers of excellence in promoting cross-cultural activities, essential for creating a world of mutual respect and shared prosperity.
