With the participation of Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif, the opening of the Al-Farabi Center took place in Islamabad on the basis of the Qaed-i-Azam University.
The Al-Farabi Center was established as part of cooperation between the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the Qaed-i-Azam University. The center is equipped with educational, methodical and scientific literature, modern computer equipment, as well as necessary furniture. It is planned to organize Kazakh language courses on the basis of the center.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Education and Vocational Training of Pakistan Khalid Mabul Siddiqi, Rector of the University of Qaid-i Azam, Professor Niaz Ahmed and Chairman of the Board – Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Zhanseit Tuimebayev.
Minister Sayasat Nurbek stressed that the opening of the Al-Farabi Center is an important step towards promoting Kazakhstan's scientific and educational space in the international arena.
"Al-Farabi is a great thinker who connected the civilizations of the East and the West. The center named after him not only demonstrates Kazakhstan's intellectual potential to the world, but also strengthens cultural and academic dialogue between our peoples. We are interested in the systematic promotion of the Kazakh language, national science and culture in the international academic environment",- the Minister said.
Minister of Education and Vocational Training of Pakistan Khalid Mabul Siddiqui highly appreciated the cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan in the field of higher education and science and expressed confidence that the partnership will develop in new directions.
Zhanseit Tuimebayev also stressed that the opening of the Al-Farabi Center is a concrete result of the agreements reached during the official visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan. "Established in 1993 at the Al-Farabi Center, KazNU has been developing Farabi studies and popularizing Kazakh and Oriental philosophy in the world for more than 30 years. Today, this tradition continues in friendly Pakistan. All the necessary material and technical base has been created for the full‑fledged operation of the center: educational and scientific classrooms, computer classes and office premises are fully equipped",- said the rector of KazNU.
Professor Niaz Ahmed confirmed that the University of Qaid-i Azam will provide all necessary support for the successful operation of the center.
The center organizes Kazakh language courses for foreign citizens, as well as cultural and educational events, seminars and scientific conferences dedicated to the study of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage. In addition, the center will strengthen partnerships with leading educational and scientific organizations in partner countries.
Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
