The launch ceremony of a Turkish language major is held at Zhejiang International Studies University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 13. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

Zhejiang International Studies University (ZISU) in Hangzhou recently introduced a major in Turkish language, making the university the first in Zhejiang province to offer such a course.

Aiming to cultivate more talents who are proficient in Chinese and Turkish languages and cultures, the establishment of new major is ZISU's attempt to promote friendly relations and cultural exchanges between China and Turkey.

In September, the first 10 students majoring in Turkish were enrolled at the university.

"On one hand I come to learn the language and on the other I want to devote myself to diplomatic work in the future and become the cultural ambassador of Chinese culture," said Zhou Xuanyu, one of the students.

In terms of teaching faculties, Shen Zhixing, the only Turkish language professor in China who has been committed to teaching Turkish for 30 years, will join the university and a local professor from Istanbul Aydin University will act as a foreign language teacher.

As a country involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, Turkey has developed increasingly closer ties with China in terms of politics, economy and culture over the years.

Officials pose for a group photo after the launch ceremony of a Turkish language major at Zhejiang International Studies University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]