ANKARA - People's Republic of China will establish a "Confucius Center" in Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, in order to spread Chinese language and culture in Turkey.
According to Chinese Embassy in Ankara, Chinese government signed a letter of intent with METU in order to found the center in 2007. There are 120 such centers in 50 countries around the world, which aimed at teaching Chinese language and promote Chinese culture.
"The education centers are open to public" told Ruilin Shi, Chinese Embassy Undersecretary of Culture. Shi stated that the center aims to give lectures on Chinese cuisine and fashion, besides language courses.
METU Rectorate will be responsible for the administration of the center.
On the other hand METU Rector Prof. Dr. Ural Akbulut stated that "Turkey as a country straddling Europe and Asia, cannot be cut from Asia."
Akbulut underlined the increasing economic strength and technological development of China, and added:
"We will found this center with this vision in mind and I believe it will be very successful" .