The University of Évora inaugurated its Confucius Institute on 16 October, at a ceremony held in the Sala dos Docentes of the Colégio do Espírito Santo. The initiative seeks to strengthen cultural and academic exchange between Portugal and China.

The institute results from a partnership between the University of Évora, City University of Macau, Beijing Language and Culture University and the Chinese Foundation for International Education. Its mission is to promote the study and teaching of the Chinese language and culture, contributing to intercultural dialogue and stronger ties between the Portuguese and Chinese communities.

The ceremony programme included a musical performance by the University of Évora's School of Arts, institutional addresses, the signing of a Partnership Protocol, a cultural presentation by the Confucius Institute of the University of Lisbon, and the unveiling of the new institute's plaque.

The list of speakers included the rector of the University of Évora, António Candeias; the Secretary of the Party Committee (Chairman of the University Council) of Beijing Language and Culture University(BLCU), Qu Zhaowei; and the rector of City University of Macau, Liu Jun.

Also speaking were the vice-president and secretary-general of the Chinese Foundation for International Education, Zhao Lingshan, and the education and culture counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, Wang Yanjie.

(Source: Rádio Campanário, 15 October)