Speech by Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Lesotho Lu Hui at the Reception Marking the Opening of the Confucius Institute

His Majesty King Letsie III,
His Right Honorable Prime Minister Matekane,
Honorable Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa,
Chancellors and principals of the National University of Lesotho, Jilin Agricultural University and Tonghua Normal University,
Directors of the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen:

Welcome to the embassy. Today, we gather here to celebrate the official opening of the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology at the National University of Lesotho. This is not only a milestone in the cooperation among the NUL, Jilin Agricultural University and Tonghua Normal University, but also another significant event in the cultural exchanges between China and Lesotho.

Confucius is a great representative of Chinese culture. His wisdom and thoughts have transcended time and space, influencing countless countries and nations. As a bridge for educational exchanges and a platform for cultural mutual learning, Confucius Institutes have promoted understanding and friendship among people of different countries. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Confucius Institute. Over the past 20 years, Confucius Institute has witnessed international challenges and achieved remarkable accomplishments. Since the signing of the agreement to establish the first Confucius Institute in Africa at the University of Nairobi in Kenya in 2004, a total of 77 Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms have been established in 47 African countries.

In April 2017, the Experimental High School of Changchun and Machabeng College International School of Lesotho signed an agreement to establish the first Confucius Classroom in Lesotho. It took eight years from the first Confucius Classroom to the first Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology at the NUL. The signing of the agreement for the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Confucius Institute and its official opening on the 80th anniversary of the NUL are inseparable from the joint efforts of the three universities. They are also a testament to the deepening friendship between the people of China and Lesotho and a symbol of the determination of both countries to jointly promote education and cultural exchanges.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As Confucius said, "When walking in the company of other men, there must be one I can learn something from." Both China and Lesotho have unique and long-standing cultures. Confucius Classrooms and Confucius Institute are important windows for cultural exchanges between the two countries. Through learning Chinese and attending cultural activities, more Basotho people understand the splendid Chinese civilization. The "Chinese Bridge" contestants and international students who went to China also provide opportunities for more Chinese people to understand the charm of the mountain kingdom and Basotho people. President Xi Jinping put forward three global initiatives, advocating respect for the diversity of world civilizations, promoting the common values of all mankind, and strengthening international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. China is willing to continue working hand in hand with Lesotho to explore new prospects of cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.

Confucius said, "All men under the sun are brothers." China and Lesotho are reliable partners whose friendship has lasted through the ever-changing international situation. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, political mutual trust has been deepening and pragmatic cooperation has yielded fruitful results. Last year, Prime Minister Matekane attended the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC. The establishment of the first Confucius Institute in Lesotho featuring "Agricultural Science and Technology" was listed as one of the important achievements of his visit. This Confucius Institute is the only one among the more than 500 institutes worldwide featuring "Agricultural Science and Technology". In just half a year, it will officially open, becoming a highlight in the cultural and agricultural exchanges between China and Lesotho.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Confucius said, "A just cause should be pursued for common good. " Last year, the leaders of China and Lesotho reached concern to upgraded the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, and China-Africa relations were upgraded to an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era. In the face of global challenges such as unilateralism, power politics, development deficits and climate change, China and Lesotho, as well as China and Africa, must stand together. The values advocated by Confucius, such as "benevolence, people-oriented governance, integrity, justice, harmony and great unity", coincide with the concepts of building a community with a shared future for mankind and King Moshoeshoe I's founding ideology of "peace and benevolence", and still has practical significance and contemporary value that transcends time and space.

In an era where the South is rising and great changes are taking place, we hope that the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology may serve as an important platform for integrating Chinese and Lesotho cultures. Under the guidance of the thoughts of Confucius, all parties can carry forward friendship, support each other, seek common development and stay focused to enrich the connotation of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Thank you!