First Chinese speech contest wraps up in Afghanistan

Vice-president of Kabul University Raihana speaks at the "My Chinese dream" speech contest in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Oct. 20, 2013. The speech contest in Chinese language wrapped up Sunday in the Afghan capital, marking the first such event in the war-torn nation. (Xinhua/Zhao Yishen)

"My Chinese dream" speech contest in Chinese language wrapped up Sunday in the Afghan capital of Kabul, marking the first such event in the war-torn nation.

Jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy and local Confucius Institute, the Chinese speech contest attracted over 40 Afghan Chinese learners and seven of them entered the final, including two female.

Addressing the contest, Chinese Ambassador to AfghanistanDeng Xijun expressed his delight in seeing more and more Afghan youths learn Chinese language and culture. He added that the Chinese government is willing to provide more assistance in teaching and learning Chinese in the country.

Deng explained that the "Chinese dream" was not only the pursuit of national rise and better livelihood, but also linked with the Afghan people's aspiration for peace, stability and prosperity.

Zhao Jingwu, director of Confucius Institute in Kabul University, told Xinhua that this maiden speech contest was aimed at promoting Chinese language and culture among Afghan learners and arousing the enthusiasm of learning Chinese.

Najibullah Adina and Mohammad Mahdi Anwari, both are Chinese majors in Kabul University, won the top prize.

Najibullar told Xinhua that his "Chinese dream" is to pursue education in China and bridge the people to people exchange.