On September 24, 2024 Monsieur Nicolas Faye, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Kyrgyz Republic, visited KNU. The permanent diplomatic representative of the Western European state was received by the Rector of KNU Dogdurbek Chontoev. During the meeting in the conference room of the rector’s office, the parties discussed issues of continuing cooperation between the Kyrgyz National University and French universities in the field of education and science.
Having warmly welcomed the guests from France within the walls of the National University, the Rector congratulated M. Nicolas Faye on his appointment to the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Kyrgyz Republic. “The French language occupies a special place in KNU and is taught at the Institute of Foreign Languages, at the Faculty of International Relations and Oriental Studies, as well as at the Kyrgyz-European Faculty,” continued Dogdurbek Chontoev. “Our university actively cooperates with the University of Poitiers. Cooperation with French universities will open new horizons and opportunities for us to deepen the knowledge and skills of our students. We are confident that our partnership will contribute not only to educational exchange, but also to cultural dialogue between Kyrgyzstan and France.” In conclusion of his speech, the Rector wished his interlocutor success in diplomatic activities and inspiration in the implementation of his plans.
The French Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan also congratulated Dogdurbek Chontoev on his new appointment, thanked him for the warm and solemn welcome, and noted that education is one of the priority areas of his work. “Your university is an example of cooperation between Kyrgyz and French universities. However, we must work even better and strengthen our cooperation. Currently, 120 students from Kyrgyzstan are studying at universities in France. We are considering the possibility of increasing the number of students from your country.”
The parties then discussed specific areas of cooperation between the French Embassy and the KNU named after J. Balasagyn. Proposals on these issues were also made by: Director of the French Institute for Central Asian Studies Ms. Marie Favreau, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations and Oriental Studies of KNU Nurgul Kazak kyzy, Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages Kenjebay Umetov, and Specialist in cooperation in the field of education Mr. Xavier Le Torrivelec.
