On May 19, 2023, during the first China-Central Asia Summit, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University signed an agreement to jointly build the Sino-Kazakhstan Joint Laboratory for Remote Sensing Technology and Application (Hereinafter referred to as “the joint laboratory”) at the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Xi’an.

From November 15 to 17, 2023, Jilili Abuduwaili, Deputy Director of XIEG led a delegation to visit Al-Farabi Kazakh National University to implement this cooperation agreement. They held meetings with Rector Zhanseit Tuimebayev and Vice Rector Zh.N. Aitzhanova of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University on issues relating to the joint laboratory such as site selection, construction plans, operational mechanisms, research fields, and talent cultivation.

During the visit, the two sides reached an important consensus on key issues relating to the joint laboratory. It was agreed that the joint laboratory is a key platform for China and Kazakhstan to exchange knowledge and technology in the fields of earth and environmental sciences. It is also understood that the establishment of the joint laboratory will help strengthen science and technology innovation in Central Asia and provide crucial support for the development of scientific disciplines including geography, environment, ecology, sustainable development, and others. In the future, the two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation across various aspects including people-to-people exchanges, joint research, and talent cultivation, so as to make achievements in ecological and earth science research.

Jilili Abuduwaili and other members of the delegation also visited the laboratories and remote sensing centers of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The delegation exchanged ideas with heads and faculty representatives from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University on future cooperation. Li Junli and Alim Samat, professors at XIEG, presented reports on remote sensing technology and application. Wang Wei, Director of the Silk Road Innovation and Development Institute of the Xinjiang Branch of CAS, also participated in all activities.（From XIEG） 

Group photo with Rector, Vice Rector and other representatives of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Discussion with Rector, Vice Rector and other representatives of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University