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Iran, Iraq sign accords to expand academic ties, scholarships for students
The accords, reached during a meeting between Iran’s Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf and Iraq’s Deputy Higher Education Minister Hayder Abed Dhahad, aim to strengthen long-term collaboration through student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and the creation of dual academic programs, IRNA reported.
Officials described the new deals as a step toward “broadening” educational opportunities and cementing cultural bonds between the two neighbors.
Simaei-Sarraf noted that initiatives such as “Iraq Week” in Tehran last year had already paved the way for closer ties.
He said Iran was ready to host more Iraqi students under fresh scholarship programs and urged Baghdad to introduce top candidates to leading universities, including Shahid Beheshti and Sharif University of Technology. “Good progress has been made in implementing agreements, particularly on the exchange of professors and students,” he said.
Dhahad welcomed the expansion of bilateral research projects, pointing to 139 joint programs currently under way. He said the new memorandums would not only support Iraqi students abroad but also allow Iranian professors to conduct short-term study opportunities in Iraq.
“One of our goals is for Iraqi students to study in the best universities in Iran,” he said, calling Iran’s scientific advances an example of capabilities that could help Iraq’s academic development.
The Iraqi deputy minister added that Baghdad was prepared to reciprocate by admitting Iranian students at leading Iraqi universities.
He highlighted a seven-year agreement signed between Sharif University of Technology’s science park and the University of Baghdad to establish a joint model of innovation and technology. Dhahad also praised what he called Iran’s “victory” in the recent 12-day war with Israel, saying it was regarded in Iraq as a shared achievement. He offered condolences for the loss of Iranian scientists, describing them as “a true model” for the region.