President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith delivered a lecture at ENU

The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University hosted a meeting of students and faculty with the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thongloun Sisoulith, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a working visit.

During the visit, Head of the Lao PDR delivered a lecture at ENU on international cooperation, the development of education and the strengthening of humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Laos.

Thongloun Sisoulith noted the special role of youth and universities in shaping the future of states, emphasizing the importance of international dialogue, knowledge exchange and strengthening mutual understanding between peoples. He also expressed confidence that ENU will strengthen relations with universities in Laos.

"Historically, we are opening a new era of cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Lao citizens educated in Kazakhstan now hold responsible government positions and participate in the development of their country. Currently, we are ready to develop cooperation with Kazakhstan in nine key areas, including education. We also propose to expand cooperation between the universities of the two countries, in particular, to develop the academic mobility of students," President of Laos said.

Thongloun Sisoulith also answered questions from students and faculty, focusing on issues of international dialogue, knowledge exchange and the role of youth in the development of States.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek noted the special significance of the visit of the Head of Laos to one of the country's leading universities. According to the minister, Thongloun Sisoulith's long-term professional and government experience, including in the field of education, makes his speech especially important for Kazakhstani students and teachers.

"It is especially valuable for our students and teachers to hear about Laos directly from a person who has shaped the development of the country for many years and made a significant contribution to the formation of its educational system. I am sure that your view on the history of Laos' formation, the path the country has traveled and the prospects for its further development will be interesting and useful to our academic community. Today, Kazakhstan and Laos have good opportunities to expand cooperation, including in the field of education, science and personnel training. We are interested in such contacts contributing to a deeper understanding between our countries and opening up new opportunities for young people," Sayasat Nurbek said.

The Minister also noted that Kazakhstan considers education, science, innovation and human capital development as key areas of the country's long-term development.

ENU Rector Yerlan Sydykov emphasized the significant potential for expanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and Laos in the fields of science, education and culture.

"It is a great honor and a unique opportunity for our students, teachers and young researchers to hear directly from the head of state your vision of modern development, international cooperation, education and the role of the younger generation in shaping the future. I am confident that today's meeting will become the basis for new joint initiatives, the expansion of academic contacts and the implementation of promising projects," Rector said.

In recognition of his achievements in strengthening international cooperation and developing humanitarian ties, Thongloun Sisoulith was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of ENU by the decision of the Scientific Council of the Eurasian National University.   

At the end of the meeting, the delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, led by the President, visited the Museum of the History of Turkic Writing and the Kultegin monument. The guests got acquainted with unique materials telling about the history of ancient Turkic writing and civilization.