Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) held an opening ceremony for its Tetum language program on Sept 15, becoming the first Chinese university to offer such a course. 

Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, and Rogério Paulo Chaves, education counselor of the Timor-Leste embassy in China, delivered speeches at the ceremony.

BFSU holds an opening ceremony for its Tetum language program on Sept 15. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Zhao quoted a verse from a Tang Dynasty (618-907) poem in his opening address –“Distance cannot divide true friends who feel close even when thousands of miles apart”– to emphasize the enduring friendship between China and Timor-Leste. 

He highlighted the remarkable progress in bilateral relations, underscored by the first state visit to China by a president of Timor-Leste – Jose Ramos-Horta in July this year – since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which has further invigorated the warm relations between the two nations. 

The launch of the Tetum language program at BFSU signifies a significant step towards a deeper understanding of Timor-Leste's language and culture, Zhao said. He also encouraged students at the university to wholeheartedly embrace the Tetum language, become cultural ambassadors fostering mutual understanding and contribute to friendly exchanges between the two countries. 

Representing the embassy of Timor-Leste, Chaves offered heartfelt congratulations to BFSU on the initiation of the first Tetum language program in China. He also extended a warm welcome and best wishes to young students eager to delve into the language and explore the culture. 

Chaves said he admired BFSU's initiative in offering the program and nurturing teachers, and expressed hope for expanded cooperation in the future. 

Following the conclusion of the ceremony, the inaugural Tetum language class commenced, symbolizing a new chapter in cultural dialogue and educational exchange between China and Timor-Leste.

Notable attendees at the event included Aires E Aparício Guterres, commercial counselor of the Timor-Leste embassy in China; Su Yingying, dean of BFSU’s School of Asian Studies; and Gong Jing, deputy director of the university’s International Exchange and Cooperation Office.