The Confucius Institute at Universidad de Panamá (Panama), jointly established by Beijing International Studies University (BISU) and the University of Panama, has launched a new teaching site in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras.

The initial courses, including Chinese language and traditional Chinese painting, opened on Jan 29.

In his video address, Ji Jinbiao, deputy secretary of the CPC BISU Committee and president of the university, introduced the history of the Confucius Institute. He emphasized BISU’s commitment to educational and cultural exchanges and cooperation with Latin America. He also expressed his hope for the teaching site to become a bridge of friendship for the people of China and Honduras.

Ji addresses the audiences through video link.

Yu Bo, China’s ambassador to Honduras, appreciated the fruitful results of cooperation in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries nearly a year ago.

He said that the launch of Chinese language and traditional Chinese painting courses in Honduras is a highlight of cultural exchanges between the two nations, providing Honduran teenagers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture.

Yu congratulates the launch of the teaching site.

Luz Angelica Smith, secretary of the National Congress of Honduras, said that the teaching site is one of the important achievements of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The courses will deepen the Honduran people’s understanding of Chinese culture, and Honduras expects more cultural exchange projects to flourish in the country, according to Smith.

Smith delivers her speech.

Honduran Culture Minister Annarella Velez said that the opening ceremony marks an important historic point. Honduran people look forward to deepening the cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation with China.

Honduran people can benefit from the colorful activities held by the institute and can seize the opportunities from the deepening of the ties between the two countries, she added.   

Velez highly praises the launch of the teaching site.

In her speech, Cindy Larissa Rodríguez, undersecretary for foreign affairs and international cooperation of Honduras, said that the launch of the courses brings positive changes to the educational environment of Honduras. She said that exchanges in language and arts can help deepen the ties between the two countries.

 Rodríguez delivers her speech.

At the ceremony, an agreement was signed by Huawei Honduras and the Hibueras Foundation to support the development of the teaching site.

A painting competition was also launched on the same day for children in China and Honduras to display the friendship between the two countries.

The Chinese language and traditional painting courses were initiated through the joint efforts of the Confucius Institute at Universidad de Panamá (Panama) as well as other institutes in Honduras.

The courses officially commenced in January with an initial enrollment of 60 students for Chinese language and 42 students for traditional painting.

China and Honduras signed a joint communique to establish diplomatic relations on Mar 26, 2023.