Minister of Education and Sciences of Latvia,

Hon. Yanis Mazeiks,

   General Director of Economic and Bilateral relations of  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia,

Hon. Marcis Auzinsh,

   Rector of University of Latvia,

Respected Mr. Guo Jie,

   Vice Rector of South China Normal University,

Respected Professor Peteris Pildegovics,

   Co-Director of the Confucius Institute,

Friends and Students,

      Good morning. It's a great honor for me to participate the plate unveiling ceremony of the Confucius Institute of University of Latvia. This is a great event in the history of the bilateral educational exchanges between China and Latvia, and also an important achivement of this year's activities to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Latvia. The set-up of the Confucius Institute in University of Latvia has started a new beginning of the Chinese language teaching in Latvia and presented a promising future. Therefore, I'd like to express my special thanks to those who have made valuable contributions for the founding of this Institute and extend warm congratulations for the effective work done by you all.

      Along with the increasing development of the exchanges and cooperation in the educational and cultural fields between China and Latvia in recent years, more and more foreign friends wish to know China, learn the Chinese language, acquire knowledge from the long standing Chinese civilization, add luster to the world multi-cultures and set up bridges of friendship and understanding. The Confucius Institutes emerge as the times require. By October 2011, more than 300 Confucius Institutes have been set up in over 100 countries and regions across the world. And another Confucius Institute is born today in University of Latvia. It will provide services in the fields of Chinese language teaching, training of the Chinese language teachers and undertaking educational and cultural exchanges. 

      I'd like to point out that, the Confucius Institute in University of Latvia is a place to impart knowledge and enhance friendship. It not only serves the teachers and students of University of Latvia, but also keeps the whole Latvia in view while has its foot firmly planted in this University. These shall be the due aspirations and responsibility of the Confucius Institute of University of Latvia. As an Educator, the education idea of Confucius has laid the foundation of the social morals to respect teachers and attach importance on education which has been prevailing for 2000 years in China. As a Thinker and Philosopher, Confucius created the Confucian doctrine which contains the traditional virtues praised highly by the Chinese people. As a Politian, the good governance and the Great Harmony of the world initiated by Confucius are still the best of wishes for us to work hard for. Although the world has been undergoing great changes with each passing day, we may continue to acquire knowledge and gain benefits from the Confucius thought. Confucius is from China but belongs to the whole world.

      Lastly, I'd like to finish my speech with one of the well-known saying by Confucius. That is, Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application? Is it such a delight to have friends coming from afar? The task of the Confucius Institute is arduous and her road ahead is long. Let's make joint efforts to put up a bridge of exchange, cooperation and friendship between the two peoples of China and Latvia.

      Thank you!