SCO delegation visits Confucius Institute in TU

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Mar. 7: A delegation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) led by Cui Li visited the Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University (TU) today and also held discussion with TU rector Prof. Dr. Khadga KC.

Cui Li, Vice-Chairperson of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), led the delegation to visit the Confucius Institute (CI) in TU. The delegation was warmly received by Zhang Xingnian, Chinese Director of the CI in TU, Khadga K.C., Rector of Tribhuvan University; Binod Joshi, Executive Director of the Center for International Relations (CIR); and Chinese faculty members.

Both sides held in discussions on China-Nepal cultural exchanges, academic collaboration, and the future development of the Confucius Institute.

During the symposium, Zhang Xingnian provided a detailed overview of the Confucius Institute’s history, faculty, and key achievements. He emphasized that the CI in TU, as a vital platform for cultural exchange, remains committed to promoting Chinese language education and enhancing mutual understanding between China and Nepal.

Khadga K.C., Rector of Tribhuvan University, expressed sincere gratitude for China’s long-term support for Nepal’s education sector. He highlighted Nepal’s role as an observer state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and underscored the country's commitment to fostering stronger economic, cultural, educational, and scientific ties with China. In light of the ongoing 70th anniversary of China-Nepal diplomatic relations in 2025, he expressed hope for deeper cooperation between the two nations.

Binod Joshi, Executive Director of CIR, stressed the importance of language and cultural exchange as key pillars in strengthening China-Nepal relations. He noted that Tribhuvan University, as Nepal’s oldest and largest public university, plays a crucial role in promoting academic collaboration. He also suggested that Nepal could benefit from China’s advancements in science, technology, and higher education, fostering stronger institutional partnerships.

In her speech, Cui Li commended Tribhuvan University’s contributions to China-Nepal cultural exchanges. She encouraged Nepalese youth to actively engage in SCO-sponsored forums to enhance bilateral cooperation. She also emphasized that Chinese language education should align with students’ career aspirations, ensuring that language learning is both practical and relevant.

At the conclusion of the symposium, Vice Chairperson Cui Li, on behalf of the SCO Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission, presented a collection of Chinese books to the CI in TU. These books will enrich educational resources and help Chinese language learners gain a deeper understanding of China.

This visit reinforced China-Nepal cooperation in education and culture, further solidifying the role of CI in TU as a hub for academic and cultural exchange. It also marked another step forward in the ongoing efforts to enhance China-Nepal relations under the SCO framework, remarked a CI representative.