ADDIS ABABA -- The United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, aiming to promote cultural exchanges and strengthen development cooperation between China and Ethiopia.

The annual celebration was held under the theme "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space" at the Confucius Institute in the Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Training Institute (TVTI), offering a range of cultural experiences, including songs, kung fu, and traditional dances performed by Ethiopian students learning Chinese.

Speaking at the event, Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, said language is more than communication. It is a foundation of understanding, the catalyst for innovation, and an enduring bond between world countries.

"The Chinese language carries the crystallized wisdom of the Chinese civilization and bears witness to the enduring friendship between the Chinese people and peoples worldwide, including Ethiopia," Zhang said.

She encouraged more Ethiopians to learn Chinese, strengthening the bond between the two countries and their rich histories.

"Chinese Language Day is a special occasion for us to celebrate the richness and beauty of the Chinese language, one of the oldest and fascinating languages in the world," said Biruk Kedir, director-general of TVTI, during the event.

He said the number of students taking Chinese language education in the institute is on the rise due to its increasing role in understanding new technologies and seizing job opportunities in Chinese-run companies across Ethiopia and beyond.

"By learning Chinese language, we are also understanding Chinese philosophy, art, science, and technology," said Kedir, noting that his institute in partnership with Confucius Institute and Chinese enterprises has launched several Chinese plus Vocational Skills programs to help Ethiopian technicians better understand technical manuals.

Sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, the event was co-organized by the Confucius Institute of TVTI and the Confucius Institute of Addis Ababa University, attracting more than 100 Ethiopian students and guests from the local Chinese community. Participants also experienced a wide range of Chinese cultural activities such as calligraphy, tea art, and paper cutting.