April 23, 2008

The Confucius Institute (CI) under the co-operation of Renmin University of China and University of Leipzig, Germany, held grand opening ceremony on 9th April, 2008. Prof. Franz Haeuser, Rector of University of Leipzig, Mr. Ma Canrong, Chinese ambassador to Germany, Mr. Burkhard Jung, Mayor of Leipzig city, Prof. Lin Gang, Vice President of Renmin, Ms. Liu Jinghui, the Education Counselor of the Chinese embassy in Germany and more than 100 other people from China and Germany attended the ceremony.

Prof. Haeuser delivered a speech first. He said, University of Leipzig was very supportive of and interested in the establishment of CI, because of the unique Chinese cultural tradition, which made irreplaceable contributions to the world’s civilization. He appreciated the help from Renmin, which, he thought, was the base of mutual co-operation and the prerequisite of success.

Ambassador Ma Canrong mentioned that the establishment would further improve the exchange of language and culture between the two countries, providing better facilities for Chinese-learners in Germany.

Prof. Lin said in his speech that the co-operation on CI resulted from the long-standing good relationship between Renmin and University of Leipzig and it remarked a new era of co-operation. Cultures in different nations won understanding and respect through communication. The CI in University of Leipzig would take responsibility to promote co-operation and exchange as well as develop friendship between the two countries.

Prof. Moritz, Director of CI in University of Leipzig then gave a lecture on “Confucius—illusion and history”.

After all the speeches, Prof. Haeuser, Ms Liu, Prof Lin and Prof. Moritz Inaugurated the Confucius Institute. Later, Prof. Lin presented gifts to CI and University of Leipzig.

After the ceremony, Prof. Lin discussed future working plan with Prof. Haeuser and Prof. Moritz in detail.

Xinhuanet, Guangming Daily and Leipzig Gazette covered the ceremony. Prof. Lin also accepted German media interviews on issues about CI.

The Confucius Institute in University of Leipzig is one of the seven CIs in Germany and one of the eight CIs Renmin built with its partner.