BISHKEK, Oct. 26 -- Free Chinese-language classes will start on Nov. 1 at the Kyrgyz National Academy of Sciences, said an official of the academy on Tuesday.

The classes are open to scientists and students of nearby schools, said Shirin Ibraimova, director of the academy's Central Scientific Library.

"Kyrgyz scientists wish to learn about Chinese achievements in scientific fields," said Ibraimova.