Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
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 14 /Xinhua/ – A concert to celebrate the Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse according to the lunar calendar) was held at the Confucius Institute of the Azerbaijan University of Languages on Friday. People from various walks of life in China and Azerbaijan celebrated the upcoming holiday in a joyful and festive atmosphere.
The assembly hall of the Azerbaijan University of Languages was decorated with red lanterns and festive decorations, and Chinese music was played throughout. Chinese characters for "luck," "happiness," and "prosperity" were hung on the walls, symbolizing the festive atmosphere. Some Azerbaijanis attended the event wearing traditional Chinese clothing.
Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan, Ding Tao, congratulated the guests on the upcoming New Year and noted that the celebration of Chinese New Year in various countries around the world reflects the Chinese people's aspiration for a bright future in which various civilizations coexist harmoniously and learn from each other. This is a clear example of the implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative, which gives new impetus to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
According to Ding Tao, under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, China-Azerbaijan relations have entered a new stage of high-quality and comprehensive development, and the friendship between the two countries and their peoples has acquired a new meaning that meets the demands of the times. The Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan will continue to support the friendship between the two countries and develop Chinese language teaching in the country.
In her speech, Zara Garipova, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, noted that celebrating Chinese New Year has become a university tradition. Such events offer Azerbaijani students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the unique Chinese culture, foster interest in learning the Chinese language, and cultivate a love for the Chinese people, history, and traditions. This demonstrates the expanding humanitarian cooperation and strengthening friendship between the two nations, and is also a result of cultural exchanges and mutual learning between countries located along the Silk Road.
At the concert, artists presented a vibrant and diverse cultural program, showcasing the impressive achievements of the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages in cultural exchange and personnel training over the past decade. Melodic Chinese songs conveyed beautiful New Year wishes and evoked homesickness in the hearts of Chinese living abroad. Azerbaijani students, dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, performed a graceful dance, revealing the unique charm of Eastern culture. Poems were recited with genuine inspiration, extolling their love for Chinese culture and celebrating the friendship between China and Azerbaijan. The captivating and melodic sounds of the khulusi (a type of flute) transported listeners to the fairytale landscapes of the Chinese city of Xishuangbanna, which seemed to come to life right before their eyes. A guitar performance, full of youthful energy, enhanced the joyful atmosphere of the celebration.
As Chinese-Azerbaijani relations rapidly develop, more and more Chinese tourists are visiting Azerbaijan, and the number of Chinese companies investing in the country's economy and establishing businesses here is growing. Azerbaijanis' interest in learning Chinese is currently at an all-time high. In recent years, the number of Azerbaijani students studying in China has increased exponentially. For many Azerbaijanis, China is associated with success and modern technology, and learning Chinese opens new career prospects. It's not uncommon for entire families to study Chinese.
Elementary school student Leila performed a Chinese song at a concert. Despite her young age, she has already become a celebrity in the local Chinese-speaking community and frequently participates in events organized by the Confucius Institute. Leila's mother often tells her about her travels in China, awakening in her daughter a warm feeling for this distant country.
Gunul Huseynova, a lecturer at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, attended the concert as a spectator. Both of her daughters are studying Chinese at the Confucius Institute. The older daughter began learning first, and then the younger one joined her. Infected by their enthusiasm, Gunul and her nephew also began learning Chinese. Gunul noted that Azerbaijan is short of Chinese language teachers. Despite being over 40, she is determined to learn Chinese well and then teach it.
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