The first branch of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University will appear in Kyrgyzstan. This is the second branch of the oldest university to be opened outside of Kazakhstan. The first branch was opened in Turkey’s Istanbul in May. The opening ceremony is expected to take place during Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the neighboring country.
“Further plans are to open branches in Tashkent, Egypt, Jordan and Armenia. We have received the invitation from the latter. We also want to open them in European countries and India. One of the prestigious ranking systems in global education is the QS World University Rankings. The Kazakh National University was ranked 175th there. It is a very big success to get into the TOP 200. For example, it has only one university from Malaysia, the same goes for Brazil. There are no Turkish universities either. That is why we are the best university in the Turkic, Islamic world,” noted Arslan Mehmet, Vice-Rector for Internationalization of Kazakh National University.
Monument to Abai to open in heart of Bishkek
In addition, a monument to the great Abai will be opened in the center of Bishkek during President Tokayev’s official visit to the country.
“Abai’s works are well known in Kyrgyzstan. Last year, the country held many events in honor of the Kazakh writer and poet, namely it published the books of the great philosopher in the Kyrgyz language and organized conferences and Abai recitation events. That is how this country’s residents discover the world of Abai. And it seems to me that the opening of his monument in the center of Bishkek is very symbolic,” said Azamat Zhamankulov, Kyrgyz Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy.
Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan trade turnover reaches almost US$1 bln
The Presidents of the two countries intend to pay special attention to the expansion of trade and economic ties. These include memorandums in the agriculture and energy sectors, humanitarian projects, and the construction of a large logistics center on the border. Last year alone, trade between the two states amounted to almost a billion US dollars. Kazakhstan mainly exports gas, coal, gold and cars to Kyrgyzstan, and imports precious metals, glass, confectionery, fruits and berries.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova
