Prime Minister’s Office permanent secretary Pio Tikoduadua reminded guests present at the inauguration of the Confucius Institute at the University of the South Pacific, of the diplomatic relations between Fiji and China which began in 1975.
“The cooperation in various fields has achieved remarkable results and has been deepened in particular with China assisting Fiji in the field of infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and mining,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“A recent milestone in bilateral relations is the formation of the Fiji-China Friendship Association that was launched in Suva in February this year.”
Mr Tikoduadua added the opening of the Confucius Institute on Thursday would enhance the understanding of the Chinese language and culture by the people of Fiji and the South Pacific.
“Students of USP will have an opportunity to learn the Mandarin language and understand the Chinese culture, music and dance in addition to the other studies they are enrolled in,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“Being an expert in languages other than your official language and mother tongue will be a bonus for students who intend to work at diplomatic institutions or Foreign Ministries in the future.
Highlighting the Fijian Government’s direct annual grant of $36million and given Fiji’s hub status, Mr Tikoduadua said Government stood willing to work with Pacific island countries.
China’s ambassador to Fiji, Mr Huang Yong said the inauguration of the Confucius Institute at USP was a meaningful event, indicating the fruitful and vigorous relations that China has with the South Pacific.
“As the first Confucius Institute in the South Pacific, today’s inauguration is a win win cooperation as it offers a chance for students to learn about the Chinese language and its culture,” Mr Huang said.
In addition, the Deputy Director General of Hanban Confucius Institute headquarters, Ms Jing Wei while commending the Fijian Government’s support expressed her appreciation of government’s decision to include the Mandarin language in Fiji’s school curriculum.
The institute is a result of a partnership established two years ago between USP and the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT).
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