RIYADH, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia's plans to introduce Chinese into curriculum at all stages of its national education would promote diversity and competitiveness in various sectors and broaden openness to the world, Saudi scholars and experts said during a seminar in Riyadh.
The Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge (CRIK), a Saudi think tank, held a panel discussion on the introduction of Chinese into the Saudi curriculum and its importance to achieving the Vision 2030 on Wednesday.
China and Saudi agreed to include the Chinese language learning as a curriculum at all stages of education in schools and universities across the kingdom, during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's official visit to China last week.
At the workshop, Yahya bin Junaid, president of the CRIK, noted the importance of learning language in enhancing national relationship and people-to-people contacts.
He stressed that the move is historic and also an important part of the kingdom's Vision 2030, which reflects Saudi Arabia's openness to the world.
Ali bin Mayouf Al-Mayouf, head of the Southeast Asian Unit at the CRIK and professor of Arabic Language at King Saud University, noticed that the news was welcomed and appreciated by most Saudi educational institutions and citizens.
People's reactions demonstrated how important the decision was, and the diversity of the languages of learning will play a positive role in the development of Saudi educational system, he added.
Mohammed Bin Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel, former minister of Communications and Information Technology and President of King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), highlighted his own experience in learning Chinese.
"I learned the language to express my respect to the Chinese people and the pioneering development of China," he said, adding that the beautiful characteristics of the language attract the learners for its rich civilization.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Li Huaxin, spoke of the fast development of Chinese-Saudi relations where the development of economic exchange, political understanding and mutual respect have reached a very advanced stage.
China sees Saudi as the a significant partner in the Middle East and Africa, and China is proud to have its language included in the Saudi educational curriculum, Li said.
Arabic is taught in more than 60 universities in China through specialized Arabic language departments, he added.
"The decision will increase understanding between the two peoples and contribute to the deepening of cultural and trade ties between the two countries," Li said.
