Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao, at left, meets with Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek in Astana, Kazakhstan, on March 20. [Photo provided by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Kazakhstan]

On March 20, in Astana, Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao met with Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek to discuss further educational cooperation between their nations.

In 2023, the first Luban Workshop -- the vocational education brand that China runs to offer skills training, Mandarin study and job opportunities in foreign countries -- in Kazakhstan was inaugurated at D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, where Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a personal visit and praised last month.

Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) and Astana International University recently signed an agreement to jointly establish a branch of BLCU in Kazakhstan.

Zhang emphasized the pivotal role of educational collaboration within the enduring strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan, highlighting its significance in strengthening people-to-people ties.

He expressed appreciation for the increasing interest in Chinese culture among Kazakh residents, particularly the youth. He urged the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education to actively support Chinese language teaching and cultural promotion, aiming to strengthen the bond between the two nations.

Nurbek commended China's longstanding positive contributions to Kazakhstan's educational development, acknowledging Chinese support in talent cultivation, skills training, academic exchanges and scholarships for exceptional Kazakh students studying in China.

Expressing readiness to deepen educational ties, Nurbek encouraged further expansion of Chinese language teaching in Kazakhstan. He also welcomed the establishment of additional Luban workshops and branch campuses of Chinese universities in Kazakhstan.