Chinese ambassador to Italy Dong Jinyi said on Sunday that as
China and Italy have witnessed frequent exchanges, Chinese overseas
students should play a greater role in promoting the friendly
bilateral relations.
Addressing the annual meeting of the Council of the Chinese
Students and Scholars Union in Italy (CSSUI), Dong said the recent
Chinese rapid economic development had aroused concerns of Italians
from all walks of life. The exchanges between China and Italy in
various fields have been increasing, especially in the area of
education.
The ambassador encouraged all Chinese students in Italy to work
hard and be united in order to make contributions to the motherland
with their knowledge as early as possible.
According to the embassy, this year has seen a prominent rise in
the number of Chinese students coming to Italy. So far, a total of
more than 1,200 students from China studying in the country,
majoring in computer, engineering, industrial design and other key
subjects.
The Chinese student unions have always cooperated with local
governments and non-governmental institutes to conduct different
activities to promote understanding between Chinese students and
local citizens, thus building a good image of China.
As the educational cooperation between the two countries keeps
expanding, the number of Chinese students pursuing study in Italy
is expected to increase, the embassy said.
(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2006)