Cuba celebrates Confucius Institute Day

"POLITICALLY, economically and in regards to social issues it must be emphasized that relations between China and Cuba are experiencing their greatest moment. Cuba is an excellent comrade, worthy ally and partner in all aspects." This is how Zhang Tuo - speaking to Granma International - described the state of relations between both countries during the first international celebration of Confucius Institute Day (CI Day) on September 27 at Havana’s Pabexpo center. Speaking on the work of Confucius Institutes around the globe he noted that "The CI is a symbol of my country’s efforts to promote peace and cultural exchange. It is also a useful platform for the Chinese people and people around the world to learn about each other and a good means of promoting the Chinese language." In addition to promoting the Chinese language and culture the CIs support trade and economic cooperation, offer courses and professional training and conduct international exams. CIs are currently present in 123 countries. According to estimates, more than 465 institutes of this type exist in the world, in addition to more than 716 Chinese language classes, with an estimated 300 million foreigners learning the language. The University of Havana’s Confucius Institute (ICUH) was established in November 2009 - the result of an international cooperation project between the Chinese and Cuban governments. Ambassador Zhagn Tuo took the occasion to highlight the ICHU’s achievements and its relations with similar centers. There are currently around 700 students enrolled at the Institute, and in July the first batch of Cubans to complete all six levels of the Chinese language course received their diplomas. During the event Tuo presented the Chinese edition of El juicio del Moncada (The Moncada Trial), by journalist Marta Rojas, published in Beijing in July of this year. There were also demonstrations of traditional Chinese cooking and dance. The celebration was presided over by Caridad Diego Bello, President of the Cuba-China Friendship Association and head of the Department of Religious Affairs of the Party’s Central Committee. Also in attendance were students and teachers from the ICUH; the Cuban School of Whu Shu; the House of Chinese Arts and Traditions and the University of Sports. Cuba was the first Latin American country to recognize the People’s Republic of China, with relations between the two countries officially established in September 1960.