Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva Meet with Students of UNEC’s Distance Chinese Language Education Program
A new phase of the distance Chinese language education program has been inaugurated at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC).
The event was attended by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva, Chargé d’Affaires of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Azerbaijan Ding Tao, as well as faculty members and students of the university.
In his opening remarks, Rector of UNEC, Professor Adalat Muradov, welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva on behalf of the students.
In his address, Chargé d’Affaires Ding Tao emphasized the dynamic development of bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Azerbaijan across various spheres.
“It is a great honor for me to participate in the opening ceremony of the Chinese Language Distance Learning Center at UNEC. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Ilham Aliyev, China-Azerbaijan relations are progressing rapidly. With the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its Vice-President Leyla Aliyeva, distance Chinese language courses have been implemented since 2019 under the Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages. To date, more than 500 students have benefitted from these courses. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has made invaluable contributions over the past seven years to the preservation of national values and the country’s socio-economic development, becoming a distinguished symbol of Azerbaijan. The Foundation maintains close cooperation with the Embassy of China in Azerbaijan and implements joint projects aimed at improving the well-being of both nations. It has also significantly contributed to the strengthening of strategic cooperation between the two countries,” Mr. Tao noted.
Subsequently, Dr. Akshin Aliyev, Head of the Department of Azerbaijani Language at the Faculty of Asian Studies of Beijing Foreign Studies University and the initiator and chair of the conference, joined the event virtually. He noted that the Chinese Language Distance Learning Center has been operating for several years. “The personal participation of Ms. Leyla Aliyeva in today’s opening ceremony serves as a source of great inspiration for all. On behalf of myself and my students, I extend sincere appreciation. While five years ago, students regarded the courses primarily as a hobby, today there is a growing number of learners who view these lessons as a pathway to academic and career advancement. Interest in the Chinese language in Azerbaijan, as well as in the Azerbaijani language in China, is increasing year by year,” he added.
Following the speeches, Ms. Leyla Aliyeva and Ms. Arzu Aliyeva visited an exhibition at the UNEC library, where they familiarized themselves with various elements of Chinese culture.
At the conclusion of the event, students conveyed their sincere appreciation and warm wishes to Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva.
It should be noted that the distance Chinese language instruction at UNEC has been implemented since 2019 at the initiative of the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Ms. Leyla Aliyeva.
The educational program is organized in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNEC, the Confucius Institute under the Azerbaijan University of Languages, and Beijing Foreign Studies University. The courses are conducted at beginner and intermediate levels, with each stage lasting three months.
Chinese textbooks published in the People’s Republic of China are utilized in the program. Each lesson includes pronunciation rules, vocabulary, texts, grammar, dialogues, reading exercises, translation, and Chinese character practice. Moreover, students receive comprehensive information on Chinese culture relevant to the lesson topics.
The curriculum has recently been further optimized and is now fully aligned with the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi – Chinese Proficiency Test). Upon successful completion of the distance learning program, students are eligible to participate in the international HSK examination.