Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and Bishkek State University (BSU) of Kyrgyzstan held an online ceremony on Aug 28 to sign an agreement on the establishment of the BFSU–Bishkek State University Joint College.

BFSU leaders participate in the online signing ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Reviewing the history of exchanges between the two universities and the consultation process for the joint college, Jia Wenjian, president of BFSU, described the joint college as an important outcome of practical cooperation in higher education between China and Kyrgyzstan. He stated that BFSU was ready to work with Bishkek State University to cultivate interdisciplinary, internationally oriented talent with bilingual cultural literacy, strong professional competence and a global vision.

Mirlan Dyldaev, rector of BSU, congratulated both sides on the signing and introduced the state of BSU. Noting that major infrastructure projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway urgently require a large number of highly qualified professionals, he said the joint college would precisely respond to the real needs of talent cultivation in Kyrgyzstan and the Central Asian region. He expressed the hope that, starting from the joint college, educational cooperation would help sustain the growth of the China-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

Affiliated to BSU as a jointly established branch, the joint college will adopt a segmented joint training model and offer both bachelor's and master's degree programs. In its initial phase, BFSU will offer programs including International Chinese Education, Chinese Language and Literature and International Business, while BSU will offer distinctive programs such as Chinese Studies, Philology and Management, enrolling non-Chinese students from Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries. Students who fulfill the requirements of the training programs will receive degree certificates from both universities.

The joint college is a practical move to serve the friendly development of China and Kyrgyzstan and to help build the China-Central Asia community with a shared future, further consolidating the popular foundation and talent base for China-Kyrgyzstan friendship.