Co-hosted by Chinese International Education foundation (CIEF) and UIBE on the theme of "Collaboration and Innovation for an Extraordinary Future," The European Confucius Institute Forum 2020 kicked off at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) on December 17.

More than 900 Chinese and foreign heads, deans and staff members of Confucius institutes in Europe attended the forum online and discussed the sustainable and high-quality development of Confucius institutes in Europe under the new model in the new era.

In his keynote speech at the forum, CIEF vice chairman Feng Yunsheng emphasized the indispensable role of external partners in supporting Confucius institutes.

Professor Jiang Qingzhe, chairman of UIBE council, said Confucius institutes in Europe are increasingly becoming an important bridge for China and Europe to deepen mutual understanding, seek common ground while shelving differences and promote international dialogues.