The 2024 Joint onference of Confucius Institutes in Africa commenced Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss the cooperation and development of Chinese language training centers across the continent.

Co-organized by the China International Foundation for Chinese Language Education, the University of Nairobi, Kenya's oldest university, and its Confucius Institute, the conference runs until June 1.

The event, themed "Promoting Localization, Development, Collaboration and Innovation of African Confucius Institutes," gathers over 100 representatives from 77 Confucius Institutes and independent Confucius Classrooms in Africa.

Senior government officials, diplomats, faculty members and students attended the opening ceremony held at the University of Nairobi.

Stephen Kiama, vice chancellor of the University of Nairobi, said that the joint meeting reaffirms the commitment of both Africa and China to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers and promote mutual exchanges.

According to Kiama, African Confucius Institutes have become centers of excellence in promoting cross-cultural activities, essential for creating a world of mutual respect and shared prosperity.

Students perform during a joint conference of African Confucius institutes at the University of Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 30, 2024. The 2024 Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes in Africa commenced Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss the cooperation and development of Chinese language training centers across the continent. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)