Chinese Premier Li Qiang and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have called for deeper educational cooperation between their countries. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the China-New Zealand Education Development Forum in Auckland, Premier Li emphasized the critical role education plays in addressing global challenges.
“The new scientific and technological revolution is profoundly changing the way humans produce and live,” Premier Li stated. “Education is facing higher requirements in terms of reform and innovation, so the educational communities of China and New Zealand should cooperate more closely.”
Highlighting the importance of universities in fostering collaboration, Li urged both nations to promote high-level scientific research and talent cultivation in key areas crucial to their future development. He called for strengthened collaborative research on common challenges such as climate change, green energy, and health.
To facilitate this cooperation, Premier Li announced that over the next five years, China will provide New Zealand with 100 scholarships for international Chinese language teachers, 1,000 places for “Chinese Bridge” summer camps, and 5,000 Chinese language books.
“China welcomes more young people from New Zealand to learn the Chinese language and culture,” he said, expressing support for more Chinese youth to study and visit New Zealand to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries’ younger generations.
Prime Minister Luxon echoed these sentiments, noting that long-term education cooperation is a focal point of bilateral relations. “This is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding and benefiting the people of both countries,” Luxon said. “New Zealand will continue to support deepening education cooperation.”
The forum marks a significant step in strengthening people-to-people bonds and underscores the commitment of both nations to collaborative innovation and sustainable development.
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Premier Li urges more education cooperation between China, New Zealand
cgtn.com
