Eurasia is becoming a pivotal region for global stability, the creation of new trade routes, and the strengthening of energy security. In these dynamic times, Astana International University (AIU) has emerged as a key platform for international dialogue on the challenges of the digital age and the future of the economy.
On March 19, AIU welcomed diplomats, scholars, and leading experts from Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation as part of the "Eurasian Dialogue. Kazakhstan-2026" analytical program, initiated by the Gorchakov Fund.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Kazakhstan, Alexei Borodavkin, praised the high level of bilateral political and economic cooperation. He highlighted the intensity of high-level contacts and announced the planned visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kazakhstan in the first half of this year. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic role in ensuring peace and stability across the Eurasian region, especially amid current geopolitical turbulence.
In the context of academic ties, it was noted that Russia plans to construct three schools in Kazakhstan’s southern regions. These schools will focus on preparing specialists for admission to technical universities, including Russian branch campuses operating within Kazakhstan.
AIU President Serik Irsaliyev emphasized the strategic importance of international academic cooperation. He noted that AIU maintains close ties with leading Russian universities through academic exchange programs and internships. Currently, nine branches of top Russian universities are active in Kazakhstan, reflecting deep historical traditions of friendship and neighborliness.
The central event of the program was the "Political and Economic Dimensions of Russian-Kazakhstand Cooperation" session, moderated by Dmitry Trenin (HSE University) and Iskander Akylbayev (C5 AIU). The discussion focused on coordination within international organizations such as the UN, CSTO, SCO, and CIS, as well as energy security, transport corridors, and digital economy reforms.
As a result of the forum, participants expressed a desire to establish a permanent Kazakhstan-Russia partnership dialogue platform based at AIU's C5 center.