Chicago Mayor Richard Daley told Chinese President Hu Jintao that learning Chinese has been life-changing for some of the city's public school students.
Hu and Daley visited Walter Payton College Preparatory High School on Friday on the second day of the president's visit to Illinois. The Confucius Institute is based at the Near North Side school, where students learning to speak Chinese greeted the Asian leader.
"We are especially struck by how bright and inquisitive the students are by your many talents and you all around development," Hu said in the school's packed recital hall, according to the Chicago Tribune. "We have decided to invite 20 members of the faculty and students of this school to visit China in the summer holidays."
Daley said global awareness in schools produces graduates who will bring the jobs of the future to Chicago. He says a strong school system makes Chicago a more attractive location for
businesses.
In brief remarks, Hu complimented the students at Walter Payton Prep and invited 20 faculty and students to visit China in the summer.
Hu also traveled to Woodridge for an exposition of Chinese companies in the region before boarding his Air China plane at O'Hare International Airport for his flight home.
On Thursday, Daley hosted a mayoral dinner and gala for the Chinese delegation. The two-day visit was intended to strengthen ties between the two economies.
