A ceremony awarding the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland was held at the Polish embassy in China on June 23.

Polish President Andrzej Duda presented the order to individuals from both China and Poland who have made significant contributions to advancing bilateral relations and deepening the Sino-Polish traditional friendship.                                            

Polish President Andrzej Duda (front R) presents Zhao Gang (front L), a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland on June 23. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Polish President Andrzej Duda (front R) presents Li Yinan (front L), an associate professor and director of the Polish Language Teaching and Research Office at BFSU’s School of European Languages and Cultures, with the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland on June 23. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Polish President Andrzej Duda (front R) presents Andrzej Ruszer (front L), BFSU’s Polish cultural and educational expert, with the Bronze Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland on June 23. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) committee and vice-president of the university, was awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit. Li Yinan, an associate professor and director of the Polish Language Teaching and Research Office at BFSU’s School of European Languages and Cultures, obtained the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit, while Andrzej Ruszer, the university’s Polish cultural and educational expert, received the Bronze Cross of the Order of Merit.

Polish President Andrzej Duda delivers a speech on June 23. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In his address, President Duda spoke highly of the recent positive developments in Sino-Polish relations, emphasizing the steadfast commitment of both nations to enhancing cooperation across various fields.

He also commended the awardees for their tireless efforts in enhancing cultural exchanges and fostering deeper ties between China and Poland.

"I appreciate your efforts in promoting the Polish spirit, introducing Polish literature, translating Polish literary works and teaching young people the Polish language, allowing them to understand Poland," said the president, adding that, "I am particularly delighted that the relations between Poland and China, as well as the friendship between the Polish people and the Chinese people, have always been positive and enduring."

Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, delivers a speech on June 23. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Zhao, speaking on behalf of all the recipients, expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon them by President Duda during his visit to China, coinciding with significant historical milestones.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Poland, the 70th anniversary of the Polish language program at BFSU, and the 90th anniversary of the birth of Yi Lijun, an outstanding Polish literary translator, educator and professor at BFSU’s Polish language program, Zhao said.

He emphasized the ceremony's unique and significant meaning for all those dedicated to boosting Sino-Polish friendship, and called for joint efforts to deepen cultural exchanges between China and Poland, making the friendship between the two peoples even more solid.

Established in 1992, the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland is awarded to foreigners and Polish citizens residing abroad for their contributions to international cooperation and for enhancing relations between Poland and other countries and nations.

Yi had been twice honored with this prestigious award.

During President Duda's visit to China, BFSU's Polish language program signed an intent letter with the Polish and Chinese language programs at four universities in China and Poland to initiate the compilation of a comprehensive Chinese-Polish and Polish-Chinese dictionary, which was included in the Action Plan on Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Poland (2024-2027).

Participants in the ceremony pose for a group photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]