The degree was granted during the Kazakh president’s visit to the University on November 1 as part of his official to Vietnam at the invitation of State President Truong Tan Sang.

Addressing university lecturers and students, President Nazarbayev acknowledged Vietnam’s achievements in many fields during the country’s renewal (Doi Moi) process. He said the development strategies of Vietnam and Kazakhstan shared many similarities, including a focus on political stability, security, national defence, independence, and territorial integrity while opening up their economies and integrating into the global community.

The Kazakh leader stressed that education is key to the future and expressed his hope that Vietnam and Kazakhstan will expand cooperation in this field, especially tertiary education, and boost the exchange of teachers and students.

Dr Mai Trong Nhuan, Director of Hanoi National University, affirmed Mr Nazarbayev has been an outstanding leader of Kazakhstan, helping to stabilize the country’s politics, improve its economy and raise its status in the international arena.

Nhuan said he hopes multifaceted cooperation between Hanoi National University and Kazakhstan’s academic establishments will also help consolidate the traditional ties between the two countries.

Hanoi National University grants its honorary title to world leading scientists, outstanding politicians, prominent social activists, and others who contribute significantly to the development of the university.

Previous recipients of the title include Chairman of the Ukrainian parliament Volodymyr Lytvyn, Professor Susan Schwab, Professor Tom Cannon, and Professor Ngo Bao Chau, who won the Fields Medal.