Educational exchanges bolster traditional friendship

Damir Karageneyev, who is from Kazakhstan, has just graduated from Beijing Language and Culture University after four years of studying international relations.

The 22-year-old plans to take the civil service exam for Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs when he returns to his home country.

"China attracted me with its time-honored history and cultural diversity. My curiosity drove me to study in the country," Karageneyev said.