On July 7, Rector Sugirbayeva Gulzhan of South Kazakhstan State Pedagogical University, and Vice-Rector Samurzhan Yeber of Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University, paid a visit to Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), where they were warmly welcomed by President Wang Shuguo. The purpose of their visit was to strengthen cooperation and foster academic exchange among the universities. During the visit, XJTU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with both institutions. The signing ceremony was attended by Shan Wenhua, assistant to the president of XJTU, officials from the Department of International Cooperation & Exchanges, representatives from the School of International Education, and Kazakhstani students studying at XJTU.

A group photo of the meeting

Wang expressed his appreciation for the visit and highlighted the successful China-Central Asia Summit held in Xi'an, which has opened doors for increased collaboration and interaction among Chinese and Central Asian universities. Wang emphasized the importance of people-to-people friendships as the foundation for strong bilateral relations and stressed the role of education and cultural exchanges in promoting economic cooperation and social development. He introduced the University Alliance of the Silk Road, initiated by XJTU in 2015, which has grown to include over 160 member universities. Wang expressed his hope that the visiting universities would engage in multilateral cooperation within the framework of the alliance and encouraged bilateral collaboration in various fields of mutual interest.

Gulzhan conveyed her gratitude for the warm reception extended by XJTU. She emphasized the significance of educational, cultural, and linguistic cooperation as a means of connecting higher education institutions within the Belt and Road Initiative. She expressed her desire for this visit to mark the beginning of a strong and enduring friendship among the universities, particularly in the field of Russian language teaching. She eagerly anticipated further in-depth exchanges and collaboration.

Yeber provided an overview of the historical background and academic disciplines of Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University. He acknowledged XJTU as a highly influential university in China and expressed a shared vision for deepening cooperation in talent development, with a specific focus on engineering, law, and the arts.

XJTU President Wang Shuoguo (left) signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Rector Sugirbayeva Gulzhan of South Kazakhstan State Pedagogical University during the meeting on July 7.

XJTU President Wang Shuoguo (left) signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Vice-Rector Samurzhan Yeber of Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University during the meeting on July 7.

Following the fruitful discussions, the three universities signed the Memorandum of Understanding. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the XJTU Museum, which preserves the university's history, development, and achievements since its relocation from Shanghai to Xi'an.