Chinese vice president hails Confucius Institute for promoti

DAKAR, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice president Li Yuanchao on Monday visited the Confucius Institute of Cheikh Anta Diop university (UCAD) in Dakar, Senegal, and attended the unveiling ceremony of a new teaching building.

Li said the Confucius Institute, jointly launched by the UCAD and China's Liaoning University, has played a critical role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Senegalese peoples.

The vice president said he was moved by the enthusiasm of Senegalese people for Chinese culture, adding that the new teaching building will facilitate study of Chinese culture in Senegal.

Li extended good wishes for the future development of the Confucius Institute and encouraged its students to study hard and contribute to the Sino-Senegalese friendship.