SOFIA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute in Sofia celebrated its 20th anniversary on Friday with a concert featuring a variety of performances including instrumental music, dance, and showcase of traditional Chinese attire.
Bulgarian Minister of Education and Science Georgi Valchev, in a congratulatory letter, said that the Confucius Institute in Sofia has been instrumental in advancing Sino-Bulgarian language learning and cultural exchange over the past two decades, and will continue to play a vital role in fostering global mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral ties.
For her part, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli, who was present at the anniversary, said that the foundation of China-Bulgaria friendship lies in the people, the hope lies in the youth, and the future lies in exchanges.
According to Chen Ying, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, since its establishment, the institute has conducted Chinese language teaching in 11 cities across Bulgaria, and the registered students have reached over 35,000.
