VIENTIANE, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Construction of Chinese-sponsored Confucius Institute was commenced Saturday at National University of Laos (NUOL) in capital Vientiane.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, acting President of NUOL Somsy Gnophanxay expressed his belief that under the support of leaders of the two countries, the project will be completed successfully.
For her part, Lao Minister of Education and Sports Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun, said the Confucius Institute is a major project sponsored by China, and will become the most advanced building in NUOL.
The project demonstrates China's support for Laos, and is an outcome of the cooperation between the two sides, she said.
Chinese Ambassador to Laos Wang Wentian said the construction of Confucius Institute not only helps improve the teaching quality of the institute in NUOL, but also serves as an important cooperation measure in education and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
It is hoped that with the joint efforts of the two countries, the Confucius Institute will become a model project of promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and Laos, so that more and more people will have chances to learn Chinese language and Chinese technology, understand more about China and have more Chinese friends, thus contributing to economic and social development of Laos, Wang said.
In December 2016, Chinese government signed an agreement on sponsoring the construction of Confucius Institute in Laos. The project covers an area of 15,600 square meters.
