On July 3, 2025 an official meeting was held between the Rector of the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn, Professor Dogdurbek Chontoev, and Senator of the French Senate Ms. Samantha Kazbon, representing the interests of French citizens living abroad, and the Ambassador of France to the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Nicolas Faye.
The French delegation also included:
- Mr. François Normand – Advisor on Education and Influential Diplomacy to the Senator;
- Ms. Guzel Ishenova – Press Secretary of the Embassy of France;
- Ms. Sarah Vilpot – Intern of the Embassy of France.
On behalf of KNU the following took part in the meeting:
- Myrzabek Kamchybek uulu – Vice-Rector for Research;
- Anara Kamalova – Dean of the Kyrgyz-European Faculty;
- Rana Talipova – Senior Lecturer, Kyrgyz-European Faculty;
- Maria Akchekeyeva – Head of the French Language Department;
- Nurgul Kazak kyzy – Dean of the Faculty of International Relations;
- Diana Sultanbekova – Deputy Director, Department of International Cooperation and Relations.
The meeting was held in a warm and constructive atmosphere. The main focus was on the development of bilateral cooperation. A special place in the discussion was given to teaching French and supporting academic ties with French universities.
The parties also discussed the possibilities of expanding existing partnerships, including interaction within the framework of exchange programs, joint projects and initiatives to strengthen intercultural dialogue. It was noted that KNU has students who completed their master’s degree in France and continue their professional activities there. Also in February of this year, employees of the Kyrgyz-European Faculty visited the University of Poitiers – one of KNU’s partners in France. The Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn expresses gratitude to the French side for the interest and support of initiatives aimed at developing French-Kyrgyz academic cooperation.
(С) Diana Sultanbekova – Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Relations.
