From 28 June to 3 July 2026, a delegation from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) and the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) paid a working visit to Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, where it participated in a series of international events dedicated to advancing scientific, technological, innovation, and educational cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The delegation comprised Amanbay Turdimatov, Adviser to the Rector of UWED, and Madinakhon Alimova, Research Fellow at IAIS.

During the visit, the delegation took part in the China–SCO Conference on Scientific, Technological and Innovation Cooperation, which brought together representatives of government agencies, research institutions, universities, and think tanks from SCO member states. Discussions focused on the prospects for expanding joint research, technology transfer, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, human capital development, and scientific exchanges.

The delegation also participated in the International Seminar on Educational Cooperation, which addressed issues related to the internationalization of higher education, academic mobility, the development of joint educational programmes, and the training of highly qualified professionals.

On the sidelines of the events, the delegation held a series of working meetings with representatives of Chinese universities and research institutions. In particular, the delegation met with Zhao Zhongyuan, Chairman of the Board of the Aston Group, representing the China–SCO Center for Scientific, Technological and Innovation Cooperation. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between UWED, IAIS, and the Center, including the establishment of partnerships with Chinese universities and research organizations, the implementation of joint educational and research projects, and the promotion of academic exchanges.

The programme also included a visit to the World Center for Sinology of Beijing Language and Culture University in Qingdao. The delegation was introduced to the Center's activities and discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of Sinology, academic exchanges, research fellowships, internships, and joint scholarly initiatives.

The working visit contributed to expanding the international partnerships of UWED and IAIS, strengthening cooperation with leading Chinese academic and research institutions, and identifying new avenues for collaboration in science, innovation, education, and policy-oriented research.