On May 28, 2026 a delegation from the Chinese newspaper People’s Daily, led by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mr. Cui Shixin, visited Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn.
The delegation was welcomed by Nazarkul Ishekeyev, Vice-Rector for State Language and Language Policy. He noted that cooperation with People’s Daily, one of the oldest and most influential daily newspapers in the People’s Republic of China, will serve as a bridge between the cultures and education systems of the two nations, and that KNU students will have the opportunity to learn from the world’s best experts.
Mr. Cui Shixin noted that Kyrgyz National University trains highly qualified specialists with a deep understanding of the specifics of Central Asia, and that joint projects will create significant opportunities, from sharing news content to launching next-generation educational programs for journalists.
The parties further discussed education, information exchange, the development of cultural and humanitarian ties, joint research, and strengthening cooperation in the media sector.
Following the meeting, which took place on the eve of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Nazarkul Ishekeyev and Cui Shixin signed a memorandum of cooperation between the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn and the People’s Daily newspaper.
The document provides for internships for faculty and students of Kyrgyz National University at the People’s Daily newspaper’s Beijing headquarters, as well as seminars and lectures by leading media corporation specialists. The parties also intend to publish joint analytical materials and research on current issues in media development, the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, and coverage of the Belt and Road Initiative.
It is worth noting that in recent years, the National University has become a leading center for training specialists proficient in Chinese and understanding the specifics of working with Asian media. In 2025-2026, the university significantly intensified its collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and other Chinese universities and launched a number of successful projects within the framework of the “Silk Road Dialogue”. People’s Daily is a renowned Chinese newspaper with the world’s largest network of correspondents.
