Ambassador Liu Yantao Attended the Final of the First “China-Cyprus Friendship Cup” Chinese Bridge – Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College and Secondary School Students in Cyprus

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Source: China Embassy

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On July 18, 2021, the final of the first “China-Cyprus Friendship Cup” Chinese Bridge – Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College and Secondary School Students in Cyprus was held online. Ambassador Liu Yantao attended the final and delivered a keynote speech.

Ambassador Liu first expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth of Cyprus for the strong support it rendered to this event, and the Cyprus Chinese School for the excellent organization and thoughtful arrangement. Ambassador Liu said that the theme of this yearโ€™s competition was “One World, One Family”, which came from Chinaโ€™s traditional concept of peace and harmony. He hoped that the Chinese Bridge Competition would become an important channel for exchange and mutual learning between the ancient Chinese and Cypriot civilization, and deepen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples. Learning Chinese helps broaden the horizon and way of thinking, and has become a fashion for young people to learn about China and the trend of the world. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Cyprus, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have become closer and closer. Mastering the Chinese language will not only bring more opportunities for personal enrichment, but also play an indispensable role of bridge to enhance China-Cyprus friendship.

Ambassador Liu wished the Chinese Bridge Competition every success, becoming a flagship brand for the bilateral cultural and educational exchange between China and Cyprus. He also hoped that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth of Cyprus would continue to support Chinese language teaching and facilitate the inclusion of Chinese language courses in Cyprusโ€™ national curriculum, and that Cypriot friends from all sectors would continue to devote themselves to and support the promotion of Chinese language teaching and Chinese culture. Ambassador Liu wished to see more torch passers of China-Cyprus friendship emerge from the contestants of this competition, which would no doubt strengthen mutual understanding, appreciation and love between the two ancient civilizations, and contribute more wisdom and strength to enhance China-Cyprus and China-Europe friendship. Finally, Ambassador Liu hoped that every contestant could take this opportunity to show the best of themselves, achieve personal progress through competition and exchange, learn from and become friends to each other.

Representing the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth, Senior Cultural Officer Dr. Elena Theodoulou said that she had witnessed the broadening cooperation in trade, commerce, culture, education, and an ever-increasing people to people exchanges at all levels between China and Cyprus in recent years. The ministry aimed at facilitating and promoting the learning of the Chinese language, especially in the tertiary educational institutes of Cyprus to cultivate more talented Chinese speakers, promoting mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue and solidarity between the two countries. As member of the EU โ€œHorizon Europe Programmeโ€, Cyprus would be part of the endeavors to enhance the collaboration and cooperation between EU and China in various fields.

The First โ€œChina-Cyprus Friendship Cupโ€ Chinese Bridge – Chinese Proficiency Competition in Cyprus was hosted by the Cyprus Chinese School, with more than 80 contestants participating in the competition and 22 of whom went to the final. The final was composed of three sessions: theme speech, knowledge quiz, and talent show. The Contestants not only demonstrated their fluent Chinese language speaking ability, but also incredible talents by performing Chinese songs, art of paper-cutting, calligraphy and recitation.

In the end of the final, contestants were presented with gold, silver and bronze awards and awards for Best Chinese Speech, Best Performance, Best Idea and Internet Popularity Award. Ms. Grace Theodoulou from the University of Edinburgh, and Ms. Elizaveta Vasilieva from the American International School became winners of gold awards respectively in the college and secondary school students categories.

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