Two-day Belarusian-Chinese women's forum kicked off in MSLU

Belarusian‑Chinese resource centre for effective intercultural communication proposed to be established during the Modern Woman in Development of Science and Education two‑day Belarusian-Chinese forum held at the Minsk State Linguistic University

The forum – focusing on new ideas and projects, as well as the discussion of topical problems and untapped opportunities – gathered more than a hundred of representatives of the People's Republic of China, as well as rectors of Belarusian universities, school directors and teachers.

As noted by Belarus’ First Deputy Education Minister, Aleksandr Bakhanovich, during the opening ceremony, the role of women in science and education is steadily growing. Women’s professional qualities in the education system are not worse than those of men, but even tower above them: they are intensified by female wisdom and sensitivity, warmth and maternal care towards students and pupils.

Mr. Bakhanovich added that the event aimed to continue and enhance the initiatives of the Belarusian Women’s Union at the international level, “Friendship between our peoples is really all-weather. We share common traditional values, and these include respect for women and recognition of their significant contribution to the development of all spheres of society – especially in the field of education and science.”

In turn, Xie Xiaoyong, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Belarus, noted that the co-operation between women of Belarus and China plays an important role in strengthening relations and mutual understanding between peoples. “Women are now making a special contribution to the development of science and education, and our governments attach great importance to this process. After all, women play an increasingly important role here – due to their talent, patience, responsibility, and enthusiasm,” he said.

The diplomat stressed that Chinese‑Belarusian relations are now at a high level, “Co-operation between the countries is developing very successfully and effectively in various fields. In particular, active interactions has been established between our women's organisations. The Chinese Federation of Women and the Belarusian Women’s Union enjoy good relations, and our female parliamentarians also have strong working ties.”

Xie Xiaoyong believes that – thanks to the interaction between women's organisations, multi-level and specialised exchanges – ladies take an active part in political life. “This helps concentrate the power of women for sustainable development of Belarusian-Chinese relations,” he stated.

The idea of creating a Belarusian‑Chinese resource centre on the basis of the Minks State Linguistic University to ensure effective intercultural communication was voiced during the forum. As explained by MSLU Rector Natalia Lapteva, a foundation in the form of effective intercultural communication is needed to solve the task of dynamic development of relations that Belarus and China face today.

“We hope that the guests of the forum will support our proposal to create such a centre and will also become its participants to gain more in‑depth knowledge about the culture of communication in Belarus and China, meet with speakers who will share their experience of communication at the international level, and participate in training sessions and master classes,” Ms. Lapteva said.