The 2024 annual council meeting of the Confucius Institute in Clermont-Ferrand (France), a collaborative effort between Beijing International Studies University (BISU) and the Confucius Association in Clermont-Ferrand, was recently conducted online.

Zheng Chengjun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC BISU Committee and vice-president of the university, attended the meeting.

It was chaired by Yu Gang, director of the BISU International Exchange and Cooperation Office. 

The 2024 annual council meeting of the Confucius Institute in Clermont-Ferrand (France) is hosted online recently.

During the meeting, Pan Xianjun, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, presented the 2024 work report, budget details and plans for the upcoming year.

The institute's activities over the past year included a Chinese New Year concert, celebrations for the 15th International Chinese Language Day, and hosting French students at BISU's campus for the "Chinese Bridge" summer camp, offering them a firsthand experience of Chinese culture and development.

In his address, Zheng praised the positive influence of the Confucius Institute's Chinese language teaching and cultural activities on enhancing bilateral exchanges, expressing gratitude for the support from the Confucius Association in Clermont-Ferrand.

He hoped that the Confucius Institute would continue to serve as a bridge, attracting more members and institutions to join the Confucius Association. This would facilitate strengthened cooperation and development between BISU and French counterparts in matters and activities such as student and faculty exchanges, research collaboration, social services and international academic conferences.

Zheng also highlighted the importance of sustainability of teachers and improving financial management.

He extended a warm invitation to the president of the Confucius Association in Clermont-Ferrand and French experts to visit BISU for academic exchanges, welcoming more French students to study at the university.

Zheng Chengjun invites French experts and students to visit BISU.

Looking towards the future, Zheng suggested that the Confucius Institute should further broaden its horizons and expand its scale of operations. He recommended integrating the strengths of French resources and the distinctive academic features of BISU to develop specialized "Chinese+" teaching programs. He also proposed organizing more cultural, artistic, and academic exchange activities to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

Bernard Dantal, president of the Confucius Association in Clermont-Ferrand, emphasized in his address the longstanding history of cooperation and profound friendship between the Confucius Association in Clermont-Ferrand and BISU.

He highlighted the praise given by the participants of the "Chinese Bridge" program for their visit to Beijing, thanking BISU for its meticulous organization and warm hospitality.

He noted that the Confucius Institute has served as a gateway for local residents to learn Chinese and gain insights into Chinese culture, and hoped that in the future, the Confucius Institute would continue to drive deeper cultural exchanges and integration between China and France by organizing more cultural, artistic, and academic exchange activities.

Bernard Dantal praises BISU's efforts in hosting the contestants of the "Chinese Bridge" program.

He also assured that the French side would spare no effort in supporting the development of the Confucius Institute, underscoring their commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries through cultural initiatives.

The meeting further deepened cultural ties and mutual understanding between China and France, with a focus on expanding educational programs and fostering collaboration in various fields.