Shabnam Safarova, Advisor to the Rector of Baku State University (BSU), paid a working visit to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to explore avenues for academic collaboration.

During the visit, Safarova held meetings with the leadership of several prestigious higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan to discuss prospects for expanding interuniversity cooperation. The main objectives of the trip included familiarization with the academic and administrative practices of Kyrgyz universities, sharing experiences in digitalization and automation, discussing participation in international rankings, and exploring possibilities for double degree programs, as well as student and faculty exchange initiatives.

Yulia Sivaldaeva, a representative of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education of Kyrgyzstan, also took part in the meetings.

Discussions were held with officials from the following institutions:

• International University of Innovative Technologies
• Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabaev
• Kyrgyz National Agrarian University named after K. Skryabin
• Kyrgyz State Medical Academy named after I.K. Akhunbaev
• Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University
• Kyrgyz National University named after J. Balasagyn
• Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov
• Bishkek State University named after K. Karasaev

Key topics included digital transformation practices, the implementation of joint research projects and educational programs, the organization of summer schools, development of double degree programs, and opportunities for collaborative research and publications. Additionally, the exchange of best practices in meeting international and national ranking criteria was discussed.

The initial agreements reached during the visit lay a strong foundation for further strengthening cooperation between BSU and Kyrgyz universities and fostering a shared scientific and academic environment.