On 6 October 2026, a delegation from the International Engineering and Technological University (METU) paid a working visit to Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov (KSTU). 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 visit focused on reviewing the outcomes of joint activities and discussing opportunities for cooperation in the 2026–2027 academic year.
The METU delegation was warmly welcomed by Akylbek Urkalyyevich Chymyrov, Vice-Rector for International Relations at KSTU, and Rinat Bakytovich Bakytov, Head of the International Department. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of open dialogue and shared interest in further strengthening the partnership.
Cooperation between the universities, formalised through an agreement signed in the 2025–2026 academic year, has already delivered tangible results. Student exchanges under the academic mobility programme were successfully implemented during the previous academic year. This cooperation has continued into the new academic year: METU has sent 26 students to study at KSTU named after I. Razzakov. For students, participation in the programme offers an opportunity to broaden their professional knowledge, experience a different academic environment and develop intercultural communication skills.
The Visiting Professor Programme has also become an important part of the partnership, with reciprocal visits by professors from both universities. This format supports the exchange of teaching and research experience, strengthens professional connections and provides insight into approaches to specialist training at the partner institution.
During the negotiations, the parties discussed the further development of academic mobility, the continuation of visiting professor exchanges and the expansion of research cooperation. Particular attention was given to opportunities for joint research and participation in international projects, including those under the Erasmus+ programme. The universities explored possibilities for working together as strategic partners in developing and implementing joint initiatives. Combining the research expertise of both institutions creates additional opportunities to address current educational and research challenges.
The discussions also covered strengthening the universities’ international academic reputation and participation in QS rankings. Sustained professional connections, academic exchanges and joint research activities provide a foundation for increasing the universities’ visibility within the international higher education community.
The visit also included a tour of the university’s laboratories. The tour for the METU delegation was conducted by Imiyla Akimzhanovna Rysbaeva, Director of the Technological Institute. It provided an opportunity to learn more about KSTU’s laboratory facilities and the resources available for students’ practical training. METU representatives highly appreciated the university’s scientific and technical capacity, educational opportunities and contribution to the development of engineering education in Central Asia.
The working meeting enabled the universities to review their plans for the new academic year and identify promising areas for further cooperation. For METU, its partnership with KSTU named after I. Razzakov means new opportunities for students and faculty, stronger research connections and closer academic dialogue between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
The International Engineering and Technological University expresses its sincere gratitude to the leadership of KSTU named after I. Razzakov, Akylbek Urkalyyevich Chymyrov, Rinat Bakytovich Bakytov and Imiyla Akimzhanovna Rysbaeva for their warm welcome, hospitality, productive meeting and introduction to the university. We greatly value our partnership and look forward to its continued fruitful development.