On May 9, 2023 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited the Confucius Institute in Berlin and had a cordial exchange of views with Chinese and Foreign faculty and students.

Qin Gang said that as the first Confucius Institute in Germany, the Confucius Institute in Berlin has not only helped promote the Chinese language and culture, but also spread the seeds of friendship since its establishment 17 years ago. Qin Gang expressed the hope that the students will transcend cultural differences and enhance mutual understanding through learning. He also expressed the hope that the faculty will overcome difficulties and tackle challenges for a better Confucius institute, and make contributions to promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Germany.

Qin Gang also visited an exhibition on John Rabe at the Confucius Institute, and met with Rabe's family. Qin Gang said that Mr. Rabe saved more than 250,000 Chinese lives during the Nanjing Massacre and won the sincere respect and friendship of the Chinese people. Qin Gang said that we should take history as a mirror, cherish and safeguard peace, and ensure that the tragedy of history will never repeat itself.