A delegation from the International Engineering and Technological University (METU) paid a working visit to Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn (KNU). The delegation was led by Asel Asylbekovna Abdildayeva, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and International Relations, and Karlygash Nurlanovna Shokhayeva, Director of the Department of International Cooperation. The meeting focused on further developing academic exchanges and expanding research cooperation between the universities.

The METU delegation was warmly welcomed by Kamchybek uulu Myrzabek, Vice-Rector for Research at KNU, and Saadat Nurlanovna Shermatova, Head of the Department of Academic Mobility, Education Export and Network Master’s Programmes. The discussions took place in an atmosphere of open dialogue and shared interest in strengthening the existing partnership.

METU and Jusup Balasagyn KNU have been cooperating for several years. During this time, the universities have built a successful record of collaboration through student academic mobility and the Visiting Professor Programme. These activities support the exchange of knowledge and teaching experience, broaden students’ educational opportunities and strengthen professional connections between faculty members at both institutions.

One of the central topics of the meeting was the further development of academic mobility. The parties discussed opportunities to expand student exchanges and continue cooperation through the Visiting Professor Programme. Their accumulated experience enables the universities to develop these formats further and create new opportunities for students and faculty to engage with the international academic community.

Particular attention was given to joint research projects and participation in international initiatives, including those under the Erasmus+ programme. The discussions explored opportunities to combine the universities’ research expertise, develop joint projects and strengthen collaboration between research teams. Such cooperation creates opportunities for interdisciplinary research and the exchange of experience in addressing current educational and scientific challenges.

The negotiations also addressed strengthening the universities’ international academic reputation and participation in QS rankings. Sustained partnerships, joint research and academic exchanges provide a foundation for increasing the visibility of both institutions within the international higher education community.

For METU, cooperation with Jusup Balasagyn KNU is particularly valuable because of the established working relationships and successful experience of joint activities. Further development of the partnership will expand opportunities for learning, teaching and research collaboration while strengthening academic ties between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The working visit provided an opportunity to review the outcomes of several years of cooperation and identify promising areas for its continuation. METU is committed to steadily developing joint activities that deliver practical benefits to students, faculty and researchers at both universities.

The International Engineering and Technological University expresses its sincere gratitude to the leadership of Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn, and personally to Kamchybek uulu Myrzabek and Saadat Nurlanovna Shermatova, for their warm welcome, hospitality, constructive dialogue and contribution to cooperation between the universities. We greatly value our longstanding partnership and look forward to strengthening it further and implementing new joint initiatives.