Foreign Ministry: Activities of Confucius Institute Help Forge Ties with China

Bratislava/Banska Bystrica, 23 April (TASR) - The development of language education, academic cooperation and business contacts is an important tool for strengthening Slovak-Chinese relations as well as Slovakia's economic diplomacy, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) said during a Wednesday visit to the Confucius Institute for Business at Matej Bel University (UMB) in Banska Bystrica. The visit was attended by UMB rector Vladimir Hiadlovsky, the institute's Slovak director and UMB vice-rector Miroslava Knapkova, and the institute's Chinese director Jianwei Wang, TASR learnt from the ministry's press department on the same day. "Language, education and mutual knowledge of cultures are the foundation of trust and partnership between countries. The Confucius Institute for Business represents a practical platform linking academia with the business sector and creating tangible opportunities for the development of Slovak-Chinese relations. It is precisely such activities that need to be further supported," the minister underlined, adding that the institute's focus on trade and business also has direct significance for strengthening Slovakia's economic diplomacy. The head of Slovak diplomacy also highlighted the institute's activities in developing people-to-people contacts. These focus on teaching the Chinese language and culture and supporting student mobility through scholarships. He also underlined cooperation with chambers of commerce and the development of university partnerships. "Students who come to Slovakia and then return to China help build Slovakia's good name abroad. They contribute to Slovakia being perceived as a quality place for study, life and investment, and deepen mutual understanding between our nations," Blanar stated. mf