On June 14, 2024 a representative delegation of the Academy of Social Sciences of the People’s Republic of China, led by its Vice President, Mr. Zhen Zhanming, visited KNU. During the meeting with the Rector of KNU Tolobek Abdyrakhmanov, the parties discussed issues of cooperation between the two organizations in the field of education and science. Warmly welcoming the members of the delegation, Tolobek Abdyrakhmanov noted that KNU staff had heard and knew about the Academy of Social Sciences of the People’s Republic of China. “This is a famous academy not only in China, but throughout the world. Over the years, our representatives studied with you and worked with your scientists.

And to this day, some of our historians and social scientists have connections with your Academy. Therefore, we hope that our meeting today will be useful and fruitful, and our cooperation will receive new impetus, new directions, new opportunities,” said the Rector of KNU. “I also see that you have a very representative delegation. Surely, among the members of the delegation there are representatives of different sciences: economics, cultural studies, computer linguistics, programming, etc. We also have young scientists who work in these areas. I believe that we will find common points and a common ground with you”.

Further, he continued: “More than 400 Chinese citizens study with us. We offered them various educational programs for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees. They are very disciplined, responsible and qualified. If you have time, interest and opportunity, you can visit educational building No. 3, where the Kyrgyz-Chinese Institute, Confucius Institute and the Silk Road Institute are located. We are pleased that the number of students from China is growing every year. We provided a hostel for them and almost everyone lives there. If you have any additional suggestions, we will gladly accept them and will work closely and well with you”.

The Vice-President of the Academy of Social Sciences of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Zhen Zhanming, thanked the Rector for the warm welcome and inquired some detailed information about the National University. “We are also glad that we came to you. We found out that next year you will celebrate your 100th anniversary. Congratulations on this significant date, and I hope that our relations will develop further. The main purpose of our visit is to strengthen cooperation with the Kyrgyz National University in the field of humanities, as well as to search for new, innovative ways of cooperation in the future”, Mr. Zhen noted.

According to Mr. Zhen Zhanming, the PRC Academy of Social Sciences is a center for the study of the humanities and social sciences. The academy has only three functions: the first is the theoretical study of the policies of the Communist Party of China, the second is the function of a “think tank” for decision-making by the CPC leadership, and the third is academic exchange with higher educational institutions and conducting joint research.

Further, he spoke about the structure and activities of the Academy of Social Sciences of the People’s Republic of China.

During the meeting, the Rector of KNU Tolobek Abdyrakhmanov and the Vice-President of the Academy of Social Sciences of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Zhen Zhanming, discussed other issues related to the cooperation of the two organizations in the field of education and science.

The meeting was also attended by: Executive Secretary of the National High-Level Analytical Center of Academy of Social Sciences – Chen Xin, Deputy Director of the Institute of World Economy and Politics of Academy of Social Sciences – Pan Dapeng, Head of the Central Asia Department of the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia of Academy of Social Sciences – Zhang Ning, Junior Researcher of the General Office of Academy of Social Sciences – Yu Zhonghai, employee of the Europe and Central Asia Department of the Office of International Cooperation of Academy of Social Sciences – Yu Jianfei, researcher of the Institute of World Economy and Politics of Academy of Social Sciences – Zhang Yuxin, employee of the Europe and Central Asia Department of the Office of International Cooperation of Academy of Social Sciences – Zhang Miaoyu, as well as Vice-Rector for Investments of KNU – Gulbara Sydykova, Director of DICR – Bakyt Keldibekov, Director of the Kyrgyz Chinese Institute – Sofya Apaeva, Head of the Scientific Research Center “One Belt – One Road” – Rashid Yusupov, Director of the Confucius Institute – Chen Jiguo, Professor of the Institute of History and Regional Studies – Jyrgal Mombekova.