China and Russia will collaborate to establish a Confucius Institute in Russia's Kazanian State University, Chinese education authorities announced on Tuesday.

After approval by the Office of Chinese Language Council International, Hunan Province's Normal University will take control of Chinese language and culture programs for the new institute.

The agreement will allow Kazanian State University, a historical jewel for Russia with its 203-year long history, to host the country's third Confucius Institute.

Russia currently has 10,000 people enrolled in its Chinese language programs nationwide. The Confucius Institute in Kazanian State University will be the latest venture to offer a series of Chinese-language programs and provide training for Chinese language teachers, not only restricted to college lecturers, but also to primary and middle school teachers.

Confucius, born in 551 B.C., was the leading Chinese thinker of his time, also being famed as a philosopher, statesman, educator and the founder of Confucianism.

Confucianism relies on building a harmonious society through refining individuals' in manners and taste becoming the dominant school of thought in China until the 20th century.

In efforts to promote Chinese language and culture abroad, the Chinese government has established 140 Confucius Institutes in 52 countries and regions worldwide, with a further 60 planned for 2007.

(Xinhua News Agency March 21, 2007)