Confucius Institute, the Chinese Institute for promoting Chinese Language and Culture, is inaugurated in Addis Ababa University on December 29. The Inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of senior officials of the University a. Ministry of Education and Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia and University students. The ceremony conducted at the premises of Addis Ababa University featured different activities including a Chinese and Ethiopian traditional costume show, Chinese folk dances, and cultural dances of the two countries.

It is stated in that the opening of the institute would give students and the university community the chance to explore the Chinese culture, learn the language and benefit in various exchange programs between Addis Ababa University (AAU) and Chinese Universities. During Chinese vice Premier Liu Yandong's visit to Ethiopia in 2013, AAU and Confucius Institute Headquater signed an agreement to upgrade the Chinese language teaching center at AAU to a Confucius Institute, according to President of Addis Ababa University, Dr. Admassu Tsegaye. Dr. Admassu also stated "By extending our partnerships to the areas of science and technology education and research partnerships with Chinese universities in the areas of science and technology, we will have mutual benefits that will contribute to the development of both countries".

Ambassador of China to Ethiopia H.E. Mr. Xie Xiaoyan expressed that the AAU has forged cooperation with more than 10 Chinese universities for research and teaching exchanges. Ambassador Xie added the cooperation has resulted in the openings of a Chinese language BA program at AAU two years ago and Amharic language course in a Chinese university last year. The Ambassador also stated such moves will contribute significantly for stronger people to people ties between the two people sand further in strengthening friendship between the two people.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia