On December 7th, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault came to lecture at Wuhan University’s old library. His wife Brigitte Ayrault, a former French Prime Minister and five current ministers, the French ambassador to China, China’s deputy foreign minister Zhai Jun, Vice governor of Hubei Gan Rongkun, WHU President Li Xiaohong, Executive President Feng Youmei and about 200 students attended the lecture.
Around 3 pm, the delegation arrived outside the old library. Prime Minister Ayrault got off the car and shook hands with students.
WHU President Li Xiaohong received the Prime Minister and his wife in the VIP room and had a brief meeting with them before he accompanied Prime Minister Ayrault to the stage where the PM was welcomed enthusiastically.
In his introductory speech, Li Xiaohong discussed cooperation between WHU and French institutions and expressed his hope in developing further partnerships with more French universities. He said WHU established its first partnership with French institutions in 1896 and until now, WHU has trained tens of thousands of students who have mastered French and a large group of scholars who have made contributions to Sino-France culture and education exchange. 10 teachers from WHU have received honorary rewards from the French government and 5 French teachers working at WHU have been awarded the Hubei Province Chime Bell Award.
“I see students in the front row do not wear headsets. I suppose you all understand French.” Prime Minister Ayrault started his speech.
When looking back at Sino-France cooperation, he said: “in 1964, it was a very insightful decision that General Charles de Gaulle decided to establish diplomatic relationship with China on behalf of France.”
Speaking of international responsibilities for China and France, he pointed out that China has undergone profound reform to achieve great success as the second largest economy. He went on to express that like France, China is facing the three crucial global challenges: maintaining peace and stability, establishing a new international order and protecting the earth. He added that these problems need to be addressed with international collaboration and young students need to have determination in dealing with these problems.
Prime Minister Ayrault discussed how French is ancient and one of the five commonly used languages. He said “I see so many students here understand French. It facilitates our mutual understanding and communication. Many French people are interested in Chinese culture and history. The French government encourages that”.
In a question and answer session after his speech, a student asked which took precedence between economic and cultural cooperation. The Prime Minister responded that the two things are closely related and mutually beneficial.
He said “cultural, educational and scientific exchange is the core of Sino-France cooperation and Chinese students are welcomed to study in France”. Next year is the 50th anniversary of Sino-France ties. There will be over 300 exchange activities in France and many activities such as concerts and gallery exhibitions in China.
After the speech, the delegation took pictures with students and then left to see Zhongnan Hospital’s emergency center.
