The bust of Belarusian poet Yanka Kupala at BISU on Wednesday. Photo: Courtesy of NAMOC

A bust of famous Belarusian poet Yanka Kupala, created by renowned Chinese sculptor Wu Weishan, was unveiled at Beijing International Studies University (BISU) on Wednesday. It will be permanently installed and displayed at the university's Alumni Forest hall. 

Wu, also the president of National Art Museum of China (NAMOC), said at the unveiling ceremony that as a literature giant Kupala is well-known for his talents and his patriotism. Wu hoped that the statue will raise the profile of BISU among Belarusian people, because it is the symbol of the friendship between China and Belarus. 

According to Ji Jinbiao, president of BISU, Kupala's works have not only enlightened people in Belarus, but also people in other places including China through translated versions. He noted that he hopes the university's Belarus Research Center will push forward research on Kupala's works and Belarusian literature. 

Belarusian Ambassador to China Kiryl Rudy also said that under the framework of the 2019 Year of Education between China and Belarus, the statue of Kupala represents the friendship between the two countries, and Chinese people's respect for Belarusian history and culture.