From October 6 to 8, 2025, an official delegation from
the Astana International University (AIU), led by President Serik Irssaliev,
visited Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski (Bulgaria).
During the visit, the AIU delegation took part in the international
scientific conference “East – West: Synergy of Scientific Knowledge,” held at
Sofia University. The conference focused on strengthening scientific and
educational cooperation between East and West and uniting the research
potential of leading universities in the region.
At the opening ceremony, AIU President Serik Irssaliev
delivered a welcoming address. The plenary sessions were attended by
representatives of the academic communities of Kazakhstan, Bulgaria,
Uzbekistan, India, Turkmenistan, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
A key focus of the visit was to enhance academic
collaboration between Astana International University and Sofia University.
As part of the visit, the two institutions signed an
agreement to launch a double-degree master’s program in “Environmental
Management” in the field of biological sciences and sustainable development.
The program will be conducted in English, with two
semesters at Sofia University and two semesters at AIU. Graduates of the
program will receive two diplomas — Bulgarian and Kazakhstani.
Additionally, the parties discussed the possibility of
opening another double-degree program in Tourism Management, as well as
expanding academic mobility opportunities for faculty and students.
This conference became an excellent platform for
developing international dialogue between universities of East and West,
strengthening academic ties between Kazakhstan and Bulgaria, and promoting initiatives
in sustainable development and environmental management.