The Kyrgyz Republic has been cooperating with China in the field of education and science for many years. In July 2024, representatives of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic went on a visit to Qingdao University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. What agreements were reached?
The purpose of the meeting was to visit the Centre for Transformation of Scientific Research Achievements, the Centre for Analysis and Testing, the Laboratory of Intelligent Supercomputers and Big Data of Qingdao University. At the Chinese Academy of Sciences, representatives from Kyrgyzstan got acquainted with the activities of the Institute of Semiconductors, the Institute of Physics, and visited one of the largest supercomputer centres in South-East Asia.
During the meetings with the leadership of scientific centres of China, agreements were reached on the opening of a supercomputer centre in the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, and a memorandum of mutually beneficial cooperation was signed. In his response, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Corresponding Member K.E. Abdrakhmatov invited the Rector of Qingdao University to participate in the anniversary events in honour of the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences.
Cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan in the educational sphere
In 2013, Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jiping initiated the strategy of economic development, which is called "One Belt, One Road". Today this strategy is gaining more and more recognition and attention.
One Belt, One Road
"One Belt, One Road" is a strategy that integrates various fields such as education, economy, culture, medicine and others, forming a new model of international cooperation. The initiative is based on the historic Silk Road, which once promoted the expansion of trade and cultural ties between different regions. In the modern context, this model encourages the development of innovative tools. One of the key aspects of this strategy is its multi-dimensional approach that integrates economy, culture and education. Under the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, educational cooperation between China and other countries, including Kyrgyzstan, is expanding, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices in the educational sphere.
Educational ties between China and Kyrgyzstan are based on strong and long-standing historical foundations spanning a considerable period of time. The close geographical proximity and similarity of cultural and historical traditions contribute to the development of these ties. Chinese civilisation has had a significant impact on the culture and education of Kyrgyzstan, bringing new ideas, knowledge and methods that have facilitated educational exchange between the two countries.
In the modern era, educational cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan continues to gain momentum. Both countries are actively introducing academic and cultural programmes, student exchanges and joint scientific research. China offers scholarships and grants for Kyrgyz students, which gives them the opportunity to receive quality education in Chinese educational institutions. In addition, there are joint projects and initiatives aimed at developing the educational sphere in both countries. Such cooperation is of strategic importance as it facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience, strengthens friendly ties between the peoples, and improves the quality of education and human capital development in both countries.
There has also been an increase in the number of foreign students from Kyrgyzstan travelling to China from 2014 to 2022. There are several Chinese research centres in Kyrgyzstan that promote cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries. These centres carry out a wide range of research activities and conduct active cultural and educational activities. These centres include the Kyrgyz-Chinese Research Centre and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Bishkek.
The "One Belt, One Road" initiative is an important foreign policy tool for developing educational ties and strengthening mutual understanding between China and Kyrgyzstan. The results of the study show the positive impact of the initiative on the development of the educational sphere.
Cooperation in the field of education between China and Kyrgyzstan within the framework of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative has great potential for the development of the educational sphere of both countries. This interaction contributes to the strengthening of diplomatic, economic and cultural ties, creating favourable conditions for the exchange of knowledge, experience and technology.
