On April 13, 2026 Professor Dogdurbek Chontoev, Rector of Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn (KNU), met with a delegation from Xinjiang Normal University (XNU), led by Jiang Haijun, Secretary of the University’s Party Committee.
During the meeting, the parties discussed further strengthening cooperation between the two universities in education and research.
The Rector of KNU warmly welcomed the delegation and noted that this visit is considered an important step toward further strengthening the friendly and partnership-based relations between the two universities. He stated that Xinjiang Normal University rightfully occupies a worthy place among the leading educational institutions of the People’s Republic of China and makes a significant contribution to the development of science and the training of highly qualified personnel. KNU and XNU have a long-standing partnership. The Confucius Institute established at the National University serves as an important platform for strengthening educational, scientific, and cultural ties between the Kyrgyz Republic and China. “I am confident that our partnership will continue to develop dynamically and will serve as a solid foundation for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation,” concluded the Rector of KNU.
The Secretary of the XNU Party Committee expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and briefly updated the university on its activities. He noted that the XNU operates a Center for Manas Studies, which has achieved significant results in the study of the great epic. Speaking about further strengthening cooperation between the two universities, Mr. Jiang Haijun said, “In addition to student and faculty exchanges, we could also collaborate in scientific research, establishing joint laboratories and centers.” The Secretary of the XNU Party Committee particularly thanked the Rector of KNU for his support of the Confucius Institute and emphasized, “Only with such support can the Institute develop.”
Continuing the conversation, the KNU Rector proposed cooperation in the natural sciences. For example, water resources, glacier melting, and other issues are particularly pressing today. He also noted the excellent work of the Confucius Institute in general, and its Kyrgyz and Chinese directors in particular. “I would like to assure you that the KNU Confucius Institute will continue to operate with the support of the rector’s office,” he said.
Also the meeting was attended by: Tang Jing, Head of the Development and Planning Department of XNU; Wang Yonghuei, Head of the Science and Technology Department; Han Jiong, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department; Liu Weiqian, Deputy Dean of the Institute of International Cultural Exchange; as well as Bakyt Keldibekov, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Relations of KNU; and Confucius Institute Directors Zhyldyz Usenbaeva (on Kyrgyz side) and Jia Jingfang (on Chinese side).
