Professor Mohammed, president of Suez Canal University, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony on January 8^th. Professor Huo Wenjie, counselor of Education Department from Chinese embassy in Egypt, and Professor Liu Xun from Beijing Language & Culture University addressed on the forum. Afterwards, four seminars were held, hosted by scholars from Peking University, Ain Shams University and North China Electric Power University. In group discussion, experts and scholars from various countries discussed seriously over current problems in Chinese teaching as a foreign language and possible solutions, exchange of achievements in language & culture research, how to strengthen cooperation in Chinese and Arabic languages between Egypt and China, and other relevant topics.

        Professor Ali Al-Zayat and Professor Gao Fufeng, directors of Confucius Institute of Suez Canal University made speeches at the closing ceremony. More than 50 papers were submitted by Korean, Vietnam, UAE, Egyptian and Chinese scholars to the forum, co-sponsored by Confucius Institute of Suez Canal University, Department of Chinese Language & Literature of Suez Canal University, and Egypt-China Cultural Exchange Association. The first of its kind in Africa, the forum was of the highest specification that was attended by so many Chinese and Egyptian experts, expanding influence of Confucius Institute in Egypt and other countries and fostering a good image. (Report from Confucius Institute of Suez Canal University)