On August 7th, 2016, accompanied by Dean of Confucius Institute of Vienna University Richard Trappl, the contemporary artist of Vienna, Austria Madam Barbara Salaun came to Confucius Research Institute, and donated her painting of China-Austria Friendship Tree to Confucius Research Institute. Dean Yang Chaoming accepted the painting on behalf of Confucius Research Institute.

     After the donation ceremony, Madam Barbara Salaun, Mr. Richard Trappl, Dean Yang Chaoming, Deputy Dean Liu Xubing and others held a discussion. Yang Chaoming pointed out that China and Austria have set up the bridge of friendship, and it will definitely last forever. He hoped that the two sides explore more cooperation ways and fields and promote cultural exchange and cooperation. Liu Xubing led the participants to review the process of the friendship, including a series of activities such as signing agreements, holding exhibition, editing readers, holding summer camp and premier, planting the friendship tree and so on. He pointed out that the friendship between us has a long history, hoped that the two sides continue the efforts to maintain it forever. Mr. Richard Trappl said that the two sides have formed profound friendship and he expects more exchange and cooperation. At Liu Xubing’s initiative, Madam Barbara Salaun expect to create more works on Confucius Research Institute and the sacred land Qufu.

     Barbara Salaun’s painting China-Austria Friendship Tree took the friendship tree planted by Confucius Research Institute and Confucius Institute of Vienna University in 2011 as the blueprint. Madam Barbara Salaun has watched the tree in the field. By now, five years has passed, and the seedling has grown into a robust pine tree, foreseeing the longevity of the friendship between China and Austria.

     Madam Barbara Salaun and Mr. Richard Trappl visited Biyong Square, “Great Confucius” show, the calligraphy works to revere Confucius in history, Confucianism Hall, Sishu Yard. They appreciated every spot and spoke highly of the architecture and atmosphere of Confucius Research Institute.