Today,
Astana International University hosted the grand opening ceremony of the
sculpture composition "Dialogue of Great Thinkers: al-Farabi and
Confucius." This artwork is a special gift from the President of the
Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev, to the branch of Beijing Language and
Culture University (BLCU) based at Astana International University.
The
sculpture composition reflects the two countries' deep respect for the heritage
of Eastern thinkers. The author of the work is Wu Weishan, a world-renowned
Chinese sculptor and Director of the National Art Museum of China.
The
sculpture composition was officially unveiled by the Minister of Science and
Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, and the
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China
to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Han Chunlin.
The
ceremony was also attended by Professor Zhang Baojun, Vice-President of BLCU;
Sun Yan, Advisor to the Chairman of the All-China Association of Urban
Sculptors and representative of the sculpture's author, Wu Weishan; Beibit
Baimagambetovich Mamraev, Chairman of the Public Council; representatives of
the Halyk Foundation; as well as the leadership, faculty, and students of AIU
and the BLCU branch.
Guests
viewed a personal exhibition by artist Kazakbay Azibekuly dedicated to the
figures of the Alash movement, as well as the exposition of the Museum of the
East. The guests were particularly impressed by unique exhibits reflecting
centuries-old trade and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China dating back
to the 7th century, including valuable numismatic artifacts from the Tang
dynasty.
Minister
of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek
noted: "Confucius and al-Farabi.
Although we did not live at the same time as these thinkers, we share a great
deal in common. Proof of this is our aspiration for knowledge, wisdom, and
humanity. Despite the fact that diverse social groups live in a polycultural
society, for centuries we have strived to achieve a common goal. I hope that in
the future we will learn a great deal from our partner, China, which possesses
unprecedented academic experience. Study as deeply as possible, and exchange
knowledge as much as you can," he emphasized, highlighting the deep
spiritual connection and educational path of the two nations, as well as the
high importance of education for youth.
Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to the RK Han Chunlin stated:
"This shared pursuit of knowledge and moral values allowed Confucius and al-Farabi to
transcend the boundaries of time and space, building a spiritual bridge between
China and Kazakhstan."
Professor
Zhang Baojun, Vice-President of Beijing Language and Culture University, dwelt
on the significance of the heritage of Eastern sages: "al-Farabi is a
great thinker whose heritage has become the spiritual treasury of the Kazakh
land, while Confucius is the founder of the Chinese philosophical tradition and
a symbol of China's spiritual culture. The fact that their sculptures now stand
side by side symbolizes not only a dialogue of sages, but also the deep
spiritual harmony between the civilizations of Kazakhstan and China."
The
organizer of the event, President of Astana International University Serik
Aztaevich Irsaliev, expressed gratitude to the arriving guests, as well as
appreciation for the support shown by the Minister of Science and Higher
Education of the RK, Sayasat Nurbek, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the PRC to the RK, Han Chunlin. He noted that this gift from
the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the highest honor in the
university's history.