Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 26 October (BelTA) – Cultural and educational contacts between Belarus and China grow ever stronger. The opinion was expressed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Cui Qiming as a portrait sculpture of the philosopher Confucius was unveiled in the courtyard of the Belarusian State University on 26 October, BelTA has learned.

The ambassador remarked that Belarus-China relations steadily advance across the board. “Solid and sincere friendship has been established between the nations. Contacts in culture and education grow ever closer,” he said. The unveiling of Belarus’ first portrait sculpture of Confucius confirms it. Cui Qiming described it as another token of respect for the Chinese nation on the part of the Belarusian nation.

The ancient philosopher and thinker is as important for the Chinese people as Francysk Skaryna for Belarusians. Rector of the Belarusian State University Andrei Korol noted that the portrait sculpture will stand next to the monuments of the Belarusian book printing pioneer Francysk Skaryna and other outstanding Belarusian enlighteners — Euphrosyne of Polotsk and Mikola Gusousky. Andrei Korol described the fact as a symbol of the dialogue of cultures, which lies at the heart of the Belarusian state.

An international science and practice conference is taking place in the Belarusian State University today to discuss the advancement of Belarus-China cooperation in higher education as part of the Belt and Road initiative. About 100 heads of Belarusian universities, representatives of government agencies, professors and teachers of Chinese universities have gathered in Minsk for the conference. The forum is expected to produce recommendations on advancing Belarus-China partnership in education and science.

The conference was organized by the Republican Higher Education Institute, the Confucius Institute for Chinese Studies of the Belarusian State University, and the Dalian University of Technology.