October 4, 2024
On September 24th, the American University of Central Asia hosted His Excellency Nicolas Faye, the newly appointed French Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic. This event marked his first public speech since assuming office just one month ago, giving students, faculty, and the AUCA community a unique opportunity to gain insight into his diplomatic journey and vision for the future.
The event began with a warm introduction by Dr. Timothy O’Connor, who provided a brief overview of Ambassador Faye’s background, highlighting his extensive experience in public service and his passion for fostering international collaboration. H.E. Nicolas Faye then took the stage, sharing his personal story of how he found his way to a career in diplomacy, captivating the audience with his journey into politics.
Following his speech, Ambassador Faye engaged with the students in a lively Q&A session. The discussion touched on various topics, including the French education system, master’s programs, and recommendations for universities abroad where AUCA students could spend a semester. His insightful responses provided valuable guidance for those pursuing academic opportunities in France.
The discussion also turned toward his ambitions as the French Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan. Over the next few years, Ambassador Faye aims to enhance collaboration in several key sectors, including energy and tourism. He highlighted the enormous potential of Kyrgyzstan’s tourism sector, particularly in developing skiing resorts to attract international visitors. Additionally, the Ambassador expressed his enthusiasm for supporting the Franco-German cultural center in Bishkek, focusing on cultural activities such as music, cinema, and video games, aiming to enrich cultural exchanges between the countries.
Ambassador Faye also mentioned several upcoming events and conferences focusing on renewable energy, cultural heritage, and fostering student exchanges between France and Kyrgyzstan. These events aim to strengthen ties between the two nations and among the youth of both countries, providing platforms for deeper cultural understanding and collaboration.
The visit concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts between AUCA representatives and the Ambassador, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between AUCA and the French diplomatic mission. It was an inspiring event for the students, who left with new perspectives on international relations and a greater understanding of their opportunities through global education initiatives.
The American University of Central Asia looks forward to further collaboration with the French Embassy and wishes Ambassador Faye successful diplomatic endeavors in Kyrgyzstan.