Uruguayan Ambassador to China Fernando Lugris gives his opening remarks at a press conference in Beijing, on April 11, 2025. Photo: Dong Feng/GT

On the occasion of celebrating the 70th anniversary of China-Uruguay business relations, the Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in China hosted a press conference in Beijing on April 11. Administrative vice president of the University of the Republic of Uruguay and professor Luis Leopold spoke about his visits to universities in China, expanding further cooperation and talent exchanges with universities in the country. 

During the session, Uruguayan Ambassador to China Fernando Lugris told the Global Times that Uruguay is committed to advancing bilateral relations to a higher level; and to do so, institutions such as the Confucius Institute (CI) provide an avenue for facilitation. 

The ambassador elaborated that important cooperation fields include technology and innovation to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership. He said that the week before the press conference, the two countries had established a joint agricultural laboratory. Given the importance of the agricultural sector in Uruguay, the ambassador said that the country is considering setting up a cooperation steering committee. He also affirmed the importance of cooperation among universities in the two countries, saying it is expected that there will be more exchanges between students, experts, and scholars. Professor Leopold's visit to China is one of the enhancements in this aspect. 

Ambassador Lugris highlighted cooperation in the cultural sector, saying that Uruguayan artists are invited to conduct exchanges with their counterparts in China. He said that his country welcomes Chinese scholars and tourists to consolidate bilateral relations. China and Uruguay have much potential to exchange in the football field, the ambassador said. 

Professor Leopold told the Global Times that the CI in his university was inaugurated in 2017. He said that the institute is an important place and platform for Uruguayan students to learn Chinese, as well as traditional Chinese customs, culture, and intangible cultural heritage. 

He said that the CI has launched various levels of courses for people in Uruguay to learn Chinese. Some courses are provided for the focused research areas. 

On November 29, 2017, the CI at the University of the Republic of Uruguay was officially inaugurated and put into operation.