hanghai International Studies University (SISU) hosted series of lectures and a welcoming ceremony for Latin American young leaders who participated in the fifth Training and Exchanging Camp “Bridge of the Future” on Oct. 25 to strengthen the communication between China and Latin America.

Lin Genfa, deputy director of Foreign Communication and Training Development Department, introduced China’s development to increase attendees’ understanding of the country at the welcoming ceremony.

SISU Professor Gao Jian and Wu Xinbo told the participants about China’s modernization and gave them a new perspective on this country’s rise. Another SISU Professor, Lu Jingsheng, also delivered a speech in which the participants showed great interest.

After the lectures, the participants visited SISU’s Songjiang campus under the guidance of volunteers. During the visit, they talked about the local conditions and customs of Latin American countries with SISU teachers and students.

The Latin American young leaders participated in a party hele at SISU activity center with SISU students and teachers in the evening. All of them gave performance with their own national characteristics and took photos for memorial.

"This activity is a good way to communicate, " said Zhu Yongjia, a SISU student as a volunteer of the camp, “It bridges the cultural gap between China and Latin America, leading to better understanding between Chinese and Sino-Latin American young.”

This exchange program is an important part of the fifth “Bridge of the Future”, which was initiated by President Xi Jinping in 2015. The Chinese government plans to invite 1,000 young leaders from Latin American and Caribbean countries to China for learning and training in this program, which aims at enhancing Sino-Latin American friendship and further promoting cooperation.