Feature: Kazakh student extols benefits of learning about China

The future of China-Kazakhstan relations is bright, at least according to one Kazakh student who studied in China and is now working to forge closer ties between the two countries.

"There is so much to learn from China, and learning Chinese has helped me learn the meaning of life," says Alexander Andreev.

A student from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Andreev found himself deeply interested in Chinese culture and philosophy.

Because of his high academic performance, Andreev won a scholarship offered by the Confucius Institute two years ago. He then spent six months learning Chinese at Lanzhou University in China.

During his days in China, Andreev was impressed by the hospitality and kindness of Chinese people.

"My Chinese was broken at the beginning, but people I met in China never made fun of me and helped me a lot," said Andreev.

Andreev also has a strong interest in Chinese philosophy, which has even "changed my attitude toward life."

"The ultimate goal of Chinese philosophy is to seek peace in life," said Andreev.

"No matter how bad the situation, never give up, and the door to success is always open to you," added Andreev.

Apart from his ongoing studies, Andreev now owns a language training institution in Kazakhstan.

He believes Mandarin Chinese will one day become widespread in his country. He hopes that signage at railway stations, airports and other public places in Kazakhstan will be written in Chinese so that tourists from China could feel more at home.

And he has ambitious plans for the future. "I intend to expand the scale of my training institute and invite Chinese teachers to come here."

Furthermore, Andreev is pleased that Kazakhstan continues to maintain good-neighbourly relations with China, adding that the future for the "Belt and Road" Initiative, which would bind countries in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe closer together through trade and cultural exchange, is "bright."

China is a reliable partner for Kazakhstan, says Andreev, and "unity and friendship between the two countries and peoples will be key to their future success." Endi