The unveiling ceremony of the Confucius Institute at the Federal University of Bahia (Universidade Federal da Bahia) on Sept 11, 2023. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The unveiling ceremony of the Confucius Institute at the Federal University of Bahia (Universidade Federal da Bahia), which was established by China's Shanghai University and Brazil's Federal University of Bahia, was held on Sept 11.

The event attracted around 300 representatives from the government, diplomatic, academic, and business circles of the two nations.

Zhu Qingqiao, China's ambassador to Brazil, sent a congratulatory letter, while the Chinese International Education Foundation and some other Confucius Institutes sent congratulatory videos.

Angelo Almeida, head of the development authority of the State of Bahia, said that the dialogues in culture and education will further promote economic and trade communication between the two countries, and that the state government will provide full support to the Confucius Institute.

Victor Oliveira, mayor of Salvador, said that he believes the establishment of the Confucius Institute will propel the city's internationalization efforts as well as make it more culturally diverse through the addition of Chinese cultural elements.

Ouyang Hua, deputy secretary of the Party committee of Shanghai University, said that the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the Federal University of Bahia will provide opportunities for mutual learning for people on both sides.

"It will serve not only as an international teaching institution of Chinese language but also as an important bridge for promoting education, scientific and technological cooperation and development between the two schools, and a bond for deepening the friendship between the two peoples," he said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Brazil, and the two countries will usher in the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations next year.