On January 20, 2026 Alaybek Shamshiev, First Vice-Rector and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn, received representatives of the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic, led by Ajay Rao, Deputy Head of the Public Affairs Section.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for the American Corner at Batken State University (BatSU) and Talas State University (TalSU), which were merged with Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn (KNU) by Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic S.N. Japarov, as of September 11, 2025.
Representatives of the U.S. Embassy explained that the American Corner (AC) is a free information and resource center in the format of a small library, part of the global American Spaces network. It hosts various events, including lectures and workshops on leadership, entrepreneurship, current events, and English. It also provides access to information about the United States (culture, history, and government). The AC’s target audience is students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the United States.
Alaibek Shamshiev briefly described the history and structure of the National University, introduced Vice-Rector for Regional Affairs Kunduz Bazakeeva, and noted that now, after joining KNU, BatSU and TalSU will function as campuses of the National University. In conclusion, he expressed support for the American Corner project and his willingness to collaborate with the US Embassy in this area.
The meeting was also attended by Jacob Williams, Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, Aigerim Kurmanalieva, Coordinator of the American Corner, Bakyt Keldibekov, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Relations at KNU, Esen Usubaliev, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations and Oriental Studies, and Medina Nukeeva, Dean of the Kyrgyz-European Faculty.
