Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 10 September, a ceremony was held to open the new building of the Uzbek-Chinese Confucius Institute at Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies (TSIOS).

The event was attended by Kungratboy Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Yu Jun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Uzbekistan, institute staff, and students.

Currently, over 500 Confucius Institutes operate in more than 150 countries worldwide. Their primary goal is to teach the Chinese language and promote Chinese culture among people from other countries.

Minister Kungratboy Sharipov congratulated the staff on the opening of the new building, noting that the institute, as an important center for training specialists proficient in Chinese, serves as a bridge for strengthening strategic relations between countries and fostering cultural dialogue.

Speakers at the event highlighted the institute’s achievements and shared future plans.

Founded in Uzbekistan, the institute was the first Confucius Institute established abroad. From 2006 to 2024, more than 10,000 students have studied Chinese at the institute, and over 3,000 young Uzbeks have received education at leading Chinese universities through scholarships from the Confucius Institutes and Chinese government grants.

Over its 20-year history, the institute at TSIOS has received numerous international awards, including titles such as “Best Confucius Institute in the World” and “Most Advanced Confucius Institute.” Currently, the institute employs 8 Chinese and 8 local teachers.