On July 7, 2026, a delegation focused on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, comprising experts and graduate students from Northwest University, Peking University, and Northwest University of Political Science and Law, visited Arabaev State University in Kyrgyzstan. The meeting included Vice President Zhumaliyev, Dean Koichumanova Cholpon, and over ten scholars from the host university.

Arabaev State University officials introduced the institution's history and current status, highlighting its role as a leader in teacher education in Kyrgyzstan. The university offers diverse programs across education, humanities, medicine, and economics, maintaining collaborations with global educational institutions. In 2024, the university established a Chinese Studies Department, supported by a 600,000 som donation from the Chinese Embassy, enhancing Chinese language instruction. Currently, 158 Chinese students are pursuing doctoral degrees there.

Professor Lu Shanbing, leading the delegation, discussed Northwest University's 120-year legacy and its work in Central Asian studies. He emphasized the fruitful China-Kyrgyzstan collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as a key achievement.

During the academic exchange, Ms. Cholpon discussed the railway's potential to end Kyrgyzstan's transportation isolation. Experts also explored topics like the origins of the Kyrgyz people and archaeological findings. Arabaev State University archaeologists shared joint excavation results with Shaanxi Provincial Archaeological Research Institute at the Red River Ancient City, uncovering Tang Dynasty coins, Southern Song Dynasty ceramics, and Buddhist sculptures, evidencing Silk Road exchanges.

Both parties agreed on the promising prospects for cultural and academic cooperation, committing to further joint research. After the meeting, the delegation visited the Kyrgyzstan History Museum.