The Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) marked a new step in its cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to support the renovation of the Confucius Institute on the Humanities Campus. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and promoting dialogue between Lebanon and China through education, language, and cultural engagement.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Mr. Chen Chuandong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Lebanon, and Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of the Saint Joseph University of Beirut. The ceremony took place at the University Rectorate in the presence of a delegation from the Chinese Embassy, notably Mr. Wu Shutao, Political Attaché, and Mr. Pan Pai, Cultural Attaché, the Vice-Rectors, Prof. Carla Eddé, Prof. Fadi Geara, Prof. Richard Maroun, and Prof. Toufic Rizk, Mrs. Nisrine Abdelnour Lattouf, Director of the Confucius Institute, Mrs. Cynthia Maria Ghobril Andrea, Director of Fondation USJ, as well as Mr. Toufic El Khoury, Director of the Institute of Theater, Audiovisual and Cinematic Studies (IESAV), Mr. Liu Li Vice-director of the Confucius Institute, Chinese instructors and members of the USJ community.
Under this agreement, the Chinese Embassy will provide financial support to renovate the Confucius Institute, improving its facilities and learning spaces. The project aims to revitalize the Institute, attract a broader audience, and welcome more students, while strengthening its role as a key center for the teaching of Mandarin and the promotion of Chinese culture in Lebanon. The contribution, which amounts to USD 20,000, reflects the Embassy’s continued commitment to the Institute’s mission.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by Mrs. Cynthia Maria Ghobril Andrea. Mrs. Nisrine Abdelnour Lattouf then took the floor and emphasized that the renovation will give the Confucius Institute a much-needed “lift,” creating a more welcoming environment for students and visitors. She noted that this renewed space will support the Institute’s goal of expanding its activities and sharing Chinese language and culture with a wider public, while expressing hope for future collaborations beyond this project.
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Chen Chuandong thanked the Rector and Fondation USJ for their long-standing support of the Confucius Institute. He described USJ as an important bridge for cultural exchange between China and Lebanon and stressed the value of dialogue between civilizations. Drawing on the rich histories of both countries, he underlined that all civilizations are equal and that mutual learning and respect are essential. The Ambassador also invited the attendees to take part in upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations at the Embassy, as a moment of reunion and shared hope for Lebanon’s future.
As for Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, he spoke of the Confucius Institute as a “blessing for the University.” He recalled its role for nearly two decades in serving Lebanese society, particularly students and professionals, through training in Mandarin and exposure to Chinese culture. The Rector reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead.
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the MoU, followed by a group photo session. This agreement marks a new milestone in the enduring collaboration between USJ and the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon, reaffirming their shared belief in education, cultural dialogue, and cooperation as essential pillars of mutual understanding and lasting partnership.