Qualifying round of the final stage of the 18th international competition "Chinese language bridge" among schoolchildren, held in Azerbaijan, took place at Confucius institute at the Azerbaijan university of Languages (AUL). The competition was organized with the support of the Embassy of the Chinese People's Republic in Azerbaijan, the Foundation for International Education, and Confucius Institute of the People's Republic of China. The event was attended by students of secondary schools and gymnasiums, and students of Chinese language courses of the Confucius institute. Ambassador of People's Republic of China in Azerbaijan Lu Mei noted, that the goal of the competition is to demonstrate Azerbaijani schoolchildren’s knowledge of Chinese language and culture.

"Today, the final stage of the "Chinese language bridge" 18^th competition among schoolchildren, held in Azerbaijan, is solemnly taking place here. First of all, on behalf of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Azerbaijan, I cordially congratulate Azerbaijan on the successful organization of this event, sending warm greetings to all the participants and guests, and expressing sincere gratitude to the Azerbaijan University of Languages and all employees who contributed to the preparation of the competition. I would like to mention the representatives of both countries, who for a long time time show attention and support to teaching Chinese and strengthening Sino-Azerbaijani friendship. Despite the distance in thousands of kilometers, relations between China and Azerbaijan are filled with spiritual closeness and become stronger over time.

Thanks to strategic leadership of the leaders of our countries, bilateral relations continue to develop dynamically. deepening the political trust, practical cooperation is strengthened, in the international arena mutual support is increasing, and the parties invariably protect each other friend in matters based on mutual interests. During a successful visit of the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to China in April this year, the leaders of the two countries announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan. It opened wide opportunities for the development of cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our peoples, and also created valuable prospects for studying Chinese language by Azerbaijani youth.

President of the People's Republic Of China Xi Jinping emphasized: "Language is the best key to understanding the country. Learning each other's language and understanding cultural and historical heritage promotes rapprochement and mutual knowledge of peoples, and also contributes to contribution to building a community of the common destiny of mankind". Chinese language is one of the oldest, most common and meaningful languages of the world. It carries the wisdom of a five-thousand-year-old Chinese civilization and serves as an important bridge between the past and the present, China and the rest of the world. In more than 190 countries and regions of the world Chinese is taught, in 85 countries it is included in the national education system, and more than 30 million people study it abroad. This reflects the value of openness, mutual enrichment and cooperation. More and more people learning Chinese are getting a holistic and a comprehensive view of China. "Chinese language bridge" contest for schoolchildren is held in Azerbaijan for the 17th time and has become recognizable. A brand of cultural cooperation between China and Azerbaijan. He serves as an important platform for learning Chinese, sharing opinions and strengthening of friendship among Azerbaijani youth. Contest became a bridge of linguistic, cultural and humanitarian interaction between our countries. More and more young Azerbaijanis learn Chinese with much interest, get acquainted with the culture of China and experience sincere sympathy for the Chinese people. They become messengers of friendship and initiators of cooperation, making an important contribution to rapprochement and mutual understanding of our peoples. the theme of the contest is "to dreams through Chinese language, a decent life for young people". All young participants, gathered here, are full of energy, go forward to their dreams and embody the future of Sino-Azerbaijani relations is in itself. I hope that you use the Chinese language as a "golden key", open the doors of opportunities on the way to your goals, continue to progress in language learning, turn language into a bridge, and youth into an ally, demonstrate your abilities, embrace the world and become witnesses and followers of the Chinese-Azerbaijani friendship. Embassy of the Chinese People's Republic in Azerbaijan is ready to continue to cooperate with Azerbaijan side in the field of education and humanitarian initiatives, support the teaching of Chinese and create more and more opportunities for the youth of Azerbaijan to learn Chinese, travel and education in China. I invite you to China to discover the unique charm of an ancient civilization and energy of Chinese modernization. Make friends with Chinese youth, study together, exchange ideas and write a new chapter of the Chinese-Azerbaijani friendship. My good wishes for very successful competition and high results to all the participants!"

Vice-Rector for International Relations of Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL) , Zhala Garibova, noted the importance of expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the field of education and wished the participants of the contest success in learning Chinese.

Confucius Institute Director Rafig Abbasov in his speech told about the rapidly developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the field of education. He emphasized that joint declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China gave a new impetus to the expansion of Chinese language teaching on the basis of Confucius institute at AUL. In this document, along with the development of cooperation in the field of language exchange, teaching is encouraged Chinese and Azerbaijani languages in educational institutions of both countries, and support is also provided for the development of Confucius institutions. conducting HSK exams (official international exam on Chinese language) in Azerbaijan successfully testifies to increasing interest in learning chinese, growing level of its possession and, at the same time, contributes to the further development of teaching Chinese language in the country, as well as improving the quality of educational services provided by the Confucius institute. the selection round in Azerbaijan consisted of two stages. Participants spoke in Chinese on a given topic, answered questions about Chinese culture and demonstrated creative numbers. Performances schoolchildren were evaluated by a jury, which included representatives Embassies of the People's Republic of China in Azerbaijan.

According to the results of the competition, the winners will have the opportunity to take part in the final of the International Chinese language competition in China.

First place was taken by Kamil Bunyatov, AUL Confucius institute student.

All the participants of the competition were awarded certificates.