On March 14, a meeting of the university management with the new director of the Confucius Institute from the Chinese side, Mr. Zhang Aijun, was held at Francisk Skorina Gomel State University. At the meeting, they discussed further prospects for the development of the institute and strengthening of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation.
The rector of the university, Sergei Khakhomov, noted that over the almost eight years of its existence, the Confucius Institute has become an important center for intercultural interaction between Belarus and China. He emphasized that each of the heads of the institute from the Chinese side made a significant contribution to its development, strengthening the material base and introducing new methods of teaching the Chinese language. Sergei Anatolyevich expressed hope that the appointment of Mr. Zhang Aijun will open new horizons for cooperation in the educational, scientific and cultural spheres.
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Yuri Nikityuk also supported this opinion, expressing confidence that under the leadership of the new director, the Confucius Institute will not only be able to maintain high standards, but also become a leader in the field of teaching Chinese in Belarus. He assured that the university will provide comprehensive support to achieve these goals.
Mr. Zhang Aijun thanked the university management for the warm welcome and expressed readiness for long-term and fruitful cooperation. As a sign of strengthening scientific ties, he presented the rector with a copy of the monograph "The Design of Chiral Metamaterials and Metasurfaces", co-authored with Belarusian and Chinese scientists, including Sergei Khakhomov.
The Confucius Institute at the Francisk Skaryna GSU was opened on December 20, 2017 and since then has played a key role in popularizing the Chinese language and culture in the region. Over the years, the institute has become a platform for cultural and scientific exchange between Belarus and China. Much credit for this goes to both Belarusian and Chinese partners, including Nanjing University of Science and Technology, which is the main partner of the institute.
A special role in the development of the institute was played by Alexander Rogachev, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor and Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, who has served as Director from the Belarusian side since its foundation. His contribution to the development of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation has been recognized by numerous awards, including the title of Honorary Professor of Nanjing University of Science and Technology.
Mr. Zhang Aijun, the new Director of the Institute from the Chinese side, has extensive professional experience. He received an education in industrial automation and measurement technology, and also worked at Nanjing University as a teacher and associate professor. His experience includes scientific internships in Russia and leadership positions in China, which makes him a valuable specialist for the further development of the Institute.
The Confucius Institute is actively involved in the educational and cultural life of the region. Every year, Chinese language courses are held here, in which schoolchildren, students and residents of Gomel participate. In addition, the Institute organizes cultural events, such as the celebration of the Chinese New Year, competitions and exhibitions that help popularize Chinese culture.
Cooperation with Chinese partners also includes scientific research. The joint laboratory of Nanjing University of Science and Technology and Francisk Skaryna State University is successfully working on the creation of new materials and technologies, which strengthens scientific ties between the two countries.
The appointment of Mr. Zhang Aijun opens up new opportunities for the further development of the Confucius Institute. The University expresses confidence that under his leadership the Institute will continue to strengthen cultural and scientific ties between Belarus and China, remaining an important center for the study of the Chinese language and culture in the region.
