CRI听力：Senior CPC Official Unveils a New Confucius Institute in ROK

He said that China and South Korea could enhance cooperation in automobile industry even amidst the financial crisis. (www.hXen.com)

Earlier, Li Changchun also unveiled a new Confucius Institute in South Korea.

Li Changchun cut the ribbon for South Korea's 13th Confucius Institute, an overseas Chinese cultural institution.

The institute was set up in Cheju Halla College, the largest private institute of higher learning in South Korea's Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Li Changchun said that cultural exchanges are important to the development of bilateral strategic and cooperative relations.

"Relations between our two countries have improved greatly over the past 17 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Bilateral exchanges in various sectors have also deepened.

People from the two countries are passionate about learning from and experience cultures of each other. Jeju Island has beautiful natural scenery and produced outstanding personalities. I think the new Confucius Institute can surely add a new human landmark to the beautiful natural vista in Jeju."

Li Changchun also donated a batch of Chinese language teaching textbooks, books on Chinese history and culture and some audio-visual materials to the institute.
 
The world's first Confucius Institute was launched in Seoul in December 2004.

South Korea is the last leg of Li Changchun's four-nation tour, which has already taken him to Australia, Myanmar and Japan.