Kresimir Jurak, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Zagreb, has a clear mission: to promote Chinese culture in Croatia and foster exchange and understanding between the two countries.

A well-known expert, Jurak has extensive experience of living and studying in China. After more than 40 visits and nearly three years of studying in the country, he has gained a deep understanding of Chinese culture.

Before becoming director of the Confucius Institute in May 2012, Jurak taught Chinese history at the University of Zagreb's Sinology Department.

He says he is proud that the Confucius Institute has become a leading teacher of Chinese language and culture.

Currently, the institute has 45 teaching locations in eight cities in Croatia employing 32 teachers and was once the biggest of its kind in Europe.

Since its founding in 2012, it has taught thousands of Croatian students through its Chinese language programs and engaged hundreds of more through cultural initiatives such as the Chinese Bridge competition, a Chinese language proficiency competition, a Dragon Boat race, and cultural workshops.

"I think we help bring Chinese culture to Croatia, but also build bridges between Croatia and China in many areas," he says.

Jurak emphasizes the importance of the institute's mission to foster deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

"For me, connecting people, cultures and languages is essential. The more we understand each other, the better friends we become. And friends don't fight; they don't need wars. We need friendship more than ever."

Looking ahead, Jurak says the institute will focus on digital transformation and organize more cultural events in Croatia. It plans to incorporate Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality into its language programs to enhance the learning experience.

He also sees an opportunity in the tourism sector by helping Croatia's tourism professionals attract more Chinese visitors and tapping into the country's enormous outbound travel market.

"There are a lot of opportunities for the future development of the institute," Jurak says.