The official opening of the French Center took place at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, marking the first time such a center has been established at a higher education institution in the country.
The opening ceremony of the center was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sylvain Guiaugue, the President of the French Alliance, Zulfia Zharkesheva, the Chairman of the Board – Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Zhanseit Tuimebayev, as well as scholars, professors, and university faculty members.
The official opening ceremony of the French Center, located at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of KazNU, began with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
The Chairman of the Board – Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Zhanseit Tuimebayev, congratulated the participants and guests on this significant event. He emphasized that the French language and culture hold a special place in the university’s educational process, and the creation of the French Center at KazNU is a logical step in this direction. The university leader also highlighted the important role of the Kazakhstan-French Scientific and Educational Center "Geo-Energetics", established in 2010, which actively trains specialists for Kazakhstan through dual-degree programs. Expressing gratitude to the French Embassy and the French Alliance of Almaty for their assistance in implementing the project and supporting the development of the French language and culture in Almaty, the rector stated: "We will actively contribute to organizing joint events that will bring together not only our university's students but also a wide audience interested in studying French culture and language"
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sylvain Gigos, also delivered a welcoming speech. He noted that the creation of the center is the result of many years of cooperation between France and Kazakhstan in higher education and culture. "Thanks to the collaboration between KazNU, the French Alliance of Almaty, and the French Embassy, students and staff of the university will be able to study French and practice it with native speakers. The classes will be taught by experienced instructors who will ensure quality education and an individualized approach. This center will become a place for communication and cultural exchange, where various events, conversation clubs, and thematic debates will also be held", - emphasized the Ambassador.
The ceremony also featured speeches by the President of the French Alliance of Almaty, Zulfia Zharkesheva, as well as a graduate of the dual-degree program, Aiym Kereykulova, professor Yerzhan Belyaev, and others.
As part of the opening, a ceremony was held for the signing of a trilateral memorandum of understanding between KazNU, French universities, and organizations, aimed at further strengthening partnerships in the fields of education and science.
The distinguished guests visited the Kazakhstan-French Archaeozoological Center for the Study of Central Asia – ZooStan, the Central Asia Sustainable Development Center, and the Medicinal Plants Center, all located in the innovative space "Farabi Hub"
Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
