STORY: Alumni celebrate 50th anniversary of Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 6, 2023
DATELINE: Dec. 7, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:39
LOCATION: Ottawa
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/EDUCATION

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): CONG PEIWU, Chinese Ambassador to Canada
2. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JEAN-PHILLIPE TACHDIJAN, Global Affair Canada Executive Director of the International Education Division
3. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JACQUES FREMONT, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa
4. various of the reception for the 50th anniversary of CCSEP

STORYLINE:

Alumni and future participants of the Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program (CCSEP) gathered at the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa on Wednesday to celebrate the program's importance on its 50th anniversary.

Chinese and Canadian governments agreed to establish the CCSEP in 1973 to enhance mutual understanding. Over the past five decades, more than 1,100 students and scholars have studied or conducted research in China or Canada under the program, while nearly 380 Canadian students and scholars studying in China since the beginning of the 21st century alone.

These alumni have become bridges for China-Canada exchanges in their fields thanks to their deep understanding of China, contributing their part to bilateral friendship and cooperation.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): CONG PEIWU, Chinese Ambassador to Canada
"I think now it's the end of 2023 and at this time of the year, we tend to look back to our work for the past year. But this evening, let's look back into a longer period of time, especially the past 50 years of CCSEP.
And I hope this program, CCSEP will bring more benefits to our two peoples, especially young people. And I also hope for the snow here in Ottawa, the program will also bring some snow to China. CCSEP could also be 'China-Canada Snow Exchange Program.' So let's have more snow in China because you who study Chinese know there's a saying, 'Rui Xue Zhao Feng Nian.' So with the snow, we hope there's a more prosperous year ahead with more good luck. Thank you."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JEAN-PHILLIPE TACHDIJAN, Global Affair Canada Executive Director of the International Education Division
"As we reflect the past successes and impact of the program, let us use this anniversary as an opportunity to think of the next generation of CCSEP participants. We look forward to working with our Chinese partners to ensure that CCSEP will continue to foster a greater understanding between Canada and China."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JACQUES FREMONT, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa
"Let me again extend my deepest thanks for the invitation to join you today. And don't forget, in 50 years, I expect to be invited to a similar gathering."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ottawa.
(XHTV)