Sheradil Baktygulov holds the positions of Director of the Kyrgyzstan Global Policy Institute, Deputy Director of the Kyrgyzstan-China Institute at Kyrgyzstan National University, and Consultant at the Kyrgyzstan National Institute for Strategic Studies.

He has over 25 years of experience in public administration, policy analysis, and international relations, and has held key positions in the Kyrgyz Parliament, Government, and the President's Office. He has long been engaged in research on international relations, China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation, and public policy.

He has published more than 80 articles on related topics and received over 700 comments and exclusive interviews from international media, including China Media Group (CMG), People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, Global Times, CGTN, as well as Russia's Sputnik, Radio Free Europe, and Al Jazeera, actively elaborating on the achievements of Kyrgyzstan-China cooperation and the key significance of the "Belt and Road" Initiative.

In 2023, he was awarded the "Silk Road Friendship Envoy" Medal for his contributions to promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges and academic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China. He also received the Certificate of Honor from the Kyrgyz Republic (2017) and the SCO 20th Anniversary Medal (2021).

He is the author of works such asKyrgyzstan and China: Foundations and Prospects of 30 Years of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, and has organized multiple academic activities themed on the "Belt and Road" Initiative. He actively participates in international cooperation projects, such as the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway and cross-border logistics corridors, and emphasizes the contribution of China's industrial development to the global industrial chain.

In addition, he serves as an independent consultant to the Kyrgyz government, providing policy recommendations on economic reform and social governance, and participates in international events such as the SCO Summits and Global Mayors' Dialogues, advocating for regional cooperation and sustainable development.

Professor Baktygulov points out that the Kyrgyz Republic has always pursued a predictable, pragmatic, and goal-oriented policy, committed to strengthening comprehensive cooperation with neighboring countries, allies, strategic partners, and other countries around the world, and China is one of its important cooperative partners.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the bilateral relationship has gone through a long development process—from constructive dialogue to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is based on the fundamental principles of mutual respect, equality, consideration for each other's interests, and openness and inclusiveness.

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway is not only a transportation corridor but also an important strategic bridge connecting Eastern and Western countries. It will enable cargo transportation from China to Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries, as well as to the Middle East (including Turkey) and even European Union countries. The construction of this project will accelerate Kyrgyzstan's economic development, further consolidate its important position as a transportation hub in Eurasia, and is expected to significantly increase cargo throughput.

Edmund Sheng points out that Kyrgyzstan maintains close cooperation with China within the framework of the SCO, and the Kyrgyz side supports the various priority tasks proposed by China to further consolidate the unity and development of the organization. Currently, Kyrgyzstan holds the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2025-2026 and is carrying out work at multiple levels and in various fields.

Edmund Sheng, Distinguished Professor of the School of Political Science and Public Administration, Shandong University; Executive Director of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Research Institute, Shandong University

10:00-12:00, Friday, November 7, 2025

Conference Room 536, Middle Hall, 5th Floor, South Building of Huagangyuan

School of Political Science and Public Administration, Shandong University

Institute of SCO Studies, Shandong University

Institute of Public Security, Shandong University

China-SCO Institute of Economics and Trade