Manama: Mandarin is to be included in the Saudi curriculum following an agreement between the two countries.
The agreement was reached during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud to China where the two countries signed several memorandums and accords to boost their cooperation.
In order to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China and to deepen their strategic partnership at all levels, a plan to include the Chinese language in curricula of all educational stages in the Saudi schools and universities was agreed, a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.
“The measure stems from the belief in the importance of strengthening cooperation and communication in all fields and enabling a comprehensive strategic partnership, to achieve the aspirations of the Saudi and Chinese leaderships and to seize the promising opportunities between their peoples,” the statement said.
The inclusion of Mandarin will enhance cultural diversity for students in Saudi Arabia and contribute to the achievement of the national goals in the field of education, in accordance with Vision 2030.
“It is also an important step towards new academic horizons for students in the various educational stages in the country, as learning Chinese is considered a bridge between the peoples of the two countries that will contribute to promote trade and cultural ties.”
