Visually-Impaired Version 
Maqsut Narikbayev University hosted the launch of the Cultural Ties – 2025 project — a festival featuring television programmes and films produced by the China Media Group for audiences in Central Asian countries. This initiative aims to foster humanitarian cooperation, enhance mutual understanding, and promote cultural connections between China and the nations of Central Asia.
The project’s inauguration took place on the eve of the second Central Asia–China Summit, scheduled for 17 June in Astana. As part of the festival, over ten documentaries and television programmes are set to be broadcast on Central Asian television channels. These productions highlight key dimensions of national life, including socio-economic development, cultural heritage, and everyday life stories.
“For thousands of years, the peoples of China and Central Asia jointly established the Silk Road, which connected East and West, Asia and Europe, and made a historic contribution to the exchange, mutual enrichment, and development of world civilisations. Today, cinema and television are becoming bridges that compose a new symphony of friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples,” stated Shen Haixiong, President of the China Media Group, in a video message.
The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Eurasian Bureau of the China Media Group, heads of national media organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, staff of Maqsut Narikbayev University, and invited media experts. MNU Provost Sergey Pen noted that the initiative marks the beginning of a new format of cultural and media collaboration between China and the countries of Central Asia.
“This project is not merely an exchange of media content, but a vibrant dialogue between societies. Viewers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan relate to the characters in Chinese stories and discover a new language of empathy. At the same time, Chinese audiences, by engaging with Central Asian cultures, take a step towards genuine respect and mutual trust. We believe that Cultural Ties – 2025 will serve as a solid foundation for future joint initiatives,” said Sergey Pen.
It should be noted that Maqsut Narikbayev University acted as a partner of the event, providing the venue for the festival’s launch and reaffirming its commitment to the principles of international dialogue, academic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
