Relations between the governments of China and Indonesia have been growing rapidly in the past few years."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - China donated hundreds of thousands of books to and opened a library at Al Azhar University of Indonesia on Tuesday (Sept. 27) as part of efforts to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the educational field.

"The opening of the library is aimed at opening relations between the peoples of China and Indonesia. We hope these books will improve a knowledge of our country," counselor of the China Embassy in Indonesia, Sun Wei De said.

The donation comprised some 500,000 English literary works, 2,400 books of different subjects, 26.000 journals, 11,000 reference books, and 20,000 Chinese newspapers.

"Relations between the governments of China and Indonesia have been growing rapidly in the past few years. The opening of the library is aimed at increasing peoples knowledge," Sun said.

Sun said some 500 Chinese students are studying in Indonesia, while about 14,000 Indonesian students pursued higher education at different universities in China.

Meanwhile, rector of Al Azhar University of Indonesia Ahmad H. Lubis warmly welcomed the book donation and hoped it will help academics improve the quality of education and service to the public.

"This library is open to the public," he said.

The opening of Chinese library at the university is part of a series of Chinese cultural program held on September 27-28.
(T.G005Uu.S012/INE//KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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