African Language and Cultural Research Institute in Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) was Founded

China in Africa: Mandarin Translation of the Week

The President of Ethiopia and the current Chairperson of the African Union Hailemariam Desalegn visited Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), and made a speech titled "China and Africa's New Strategic Partnership and Friendship for Development and Transformation." The participants of this event including Vice minister of Foreign Affairs Zhai Jun, Vice minister of Education Hao Ping, more than 50 ambassadors from Africa, and over 100 Chinese scholars.

"本报讯 6月14日，正在中国进行正式访问的非盟轮值主席、埃塞俄比亚总理海尔马里亚姆·德萨莱尼访问北京外国语大学，发表题为"建立新型中非战略伙伴关系和友好关系以利发展与变革"的演讲，并为北外非洲语言与文化研究中心揭牌。

外交部副部长翟隽、教育部副部长郝平与来自非洲50个国家的驻华大使和使馆官员，以及国内从事非洲研究的专家学者等近百人出席了活动。"

This article has been translated from Mandarin. Click here to read the original version on CSSToday 

President Hailemariam Desalegn's speech was from the perspective of both history and reality, stating the importance and meaning of the new Sino-African strategic relationship. He pointed out the new challenges and problems that Sino-African relations are currently facing.  He also stated his own opinion on how to further develop China and Africa's new strategic partnership.

After the speech, President Hailemariam Desalegn and the Secretary of the Party Committee of BFSU Yang Xueyi attended the unveiling ceremony together to launch the BFSU African Language and Cultural Research Institute.  This research institute will combine all the African research resources at the BFSU, improve its African area study curriculum on campus,  as well as expand its influence with other higher level educational and research institutions in Africa.

The President of BFSU Han Zhen said BFSU will begin to offer a major in the official language of Ethiopia – Amharic in September 2013.  BFSU is expecting to offer more majors in African official languages in the future.