Atbara, Jan. 30, 2026 (SUNA) – The Mandarin Center for Chinese Language Teaching in Atbara, Nile River State, celebrated the Chinese Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) under the slogan “A Friendship Bridge Linking the Nile Valley to the Great Wall” at the Health Insurance Hall, with the participation of a delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Sudan.The event was attended by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Xu Jian; Professor Mohamed Bakri Hadadi, Director of the Languages and Translation Center at Nile Valley University; Mr. Mowaffaq Atif Babiker, Director General of the Mandarin Center; as well as students, officials, and families.In his speech, Mr. Xu Jian commended the center for conveying the festive atmosphere and showcasing the international appeal of Chinese culture. He praised its role in promoting Chinese language and culture, describing it as a key achievement in Sudan-China cultural cooperation.Professor Hadadi highlighted the importance of language education, particularly Chinese, in strengthening ties between Sudan and China, and encouraged academic exchanges between the university and the Mandarin Center.Mr. Babiker gave an overview of the center, noting it opened two years ago as Sudan’s first post-war Chinese language center, now with branches in Atbara, Port Sudan, and Omdurman. He said the center is the only Chinese government-accredited institution in Sudan authorized to grant HSK proficiency certificates.The Spring Festival celebration, the centre’s second, featured cultural, artistic, and entertainment performances in Arabic and Chinese, along with gifts for students and participants. Babiker thanked the Chinese Embassy for its continuous support, emphasizing that language and culture form the foundation of lasting bilateral relations.AS/BH