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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Baku, February 7 /Xinhua/ — Educational and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and China will continue to expand under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Shahin Panahov, Vice-Rector for International Relations at Baku State University (BSU), said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency.
BSU's history of cooperation with China in education spans over 30 years. Currently, BSU's Faculty of Oriental Studies offers students two majors related to China: Sinology and Chinese Philology.
"The close relations between our countries have created favorable conditions for the development of educational and cultural ties. Currently, BSU is implementing two dual degree programs jointly with Anhui University," said BSU's Vice-Rector.
In 2011, in collaboration with Anhui University, located in Hefei (the administrative capital of Anhui Province, eastern China), BSU opened the first Confucius Institute in Azerbaijan. To date, the institute has also opened five off-campus learning centers, expanding access to Chinese language learning for everyone.
Sh. Panakhov believes that the BSU Confucius Institute, which has trained thousands of students over nearly 15 years, has become a successful model of bilateral educational cooperation, playing an important role in Chinese language teaching and cultural exchange.
"We've been celebrating the Spring Festival for several years now. Cultural events held by the Confucius Institute, such as the annual Spring Festival concert, are of great importance for Azerbaijani people's understanding of China and this holiday. I believe this is not only a treasure for the Chinese people but also a shared global heritage," he said.
Sh. Panahov believes that even more Azerbaijani youth will become involved in bilateral educational and cultural projects. He expressed confidence that reciprocal cultural events featuring professional artists from Azerbaijan and China will be held in the near future.
"The foundation of all this is the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, which was established last April and reaffirmed by our leaders in August of that year in Tianjin. This partnership will reach deep into our communities, bringing with it mutual respect, understanding, and exchanges in culture and art," concluded the BSU Vice-Rector.
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