Addis Ababa: Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition was held in Addis Ababa today with a view to improving the Chinese language ability of Ethiopian students.
At the 23rd Chinese proficiency competition, 11 Ethiopian students participated in the annual worldwide Chinese-speaking and performance event.
Each contestant made a Chinese speech, answered two questions related to Chinese cultures and presented his/her talents in Chinese arts.
The champions will be recommended to attend the final competition as a contestant to be held in China this summer and the second winner will be invited to watch the Final Competition.
‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition is an important platform for Ethiopian students to learn Chinese language and cultures, and have a better understanding of China, and has played a positive role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning between our two ancient civilizations.
Since its establishment 23 years ago, the competition has developed into ‘a bridge of culture’
, ‘a bridge of friendship’ and ‘a bridge of heart and soul’ connecting China and the world.
It is also contributing much to the development of China-Ethiopia all-weather strategic partnership and the construction of China-Ethiopia community with a shared future.
Speaking on the occasion, State Minster of Education Kora Tushune said that education and cultural cooperation between the two countries have been growing year by year.
According him, China has been a major scholarship provider to Ethiopia students.
There is burgeoning institutional collaboration between Chinese and Ethiopia Universities which will create more opportunities to jointly work on common problems of the two countries and address global challenges, he noted.
He also mentioned the start of Amharic language in Beijing Foreign Studies University which signifies the mutual nature of partnership.
Chargé d’affaires of China Embassy in Ethiopia Shen Qinmin said the competition is an important platform for Ethiopian students to learn Chinese
language and culture and can play a positive role in promoting, exchange and cultural learning between the two countries.
He expressed his hope that more and more young Ethiopian students will be interested to learn Chinese languages and culture and similarly, more Chinese students will be interested to learn Ethiopian Languages and culture.
By learning from each other languages, we will consolidate the exchanges between the two countries and cement the bridge of brotherhood on shared interests of the two countries, he underscored.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency