Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

During the visit of Dr. Mohammad Kafi and his entourage to Iraq, the delegation held a meeting with Dr. Abdul Razzaq, the Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the two sides discussed the current relationships and future collaborations between Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Iraqi Universities. The president of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad was accompanied by Dr. Mohammad Reza Hashemi, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Ehsan Ghabool, Head of the International Center for Teaching Persian Language to non-Persian Speakers at FUM.

In this meeting which was held at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq and in which Dr. Salah Al-Fatlawi, Director of Directorate of Scholarships and Cultural Relations of Iraq was also present, the president of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad pointed to the outstanding scientific, cultural, and historical background of Khorasan and Bagdad throughout history. He also stressed the importance of scientific relations between the two regions in order to reach the peaks of knowledge and wisdom. Dr. Mohammad Kafi also presented a brief introduction of FUM and its improving national and international status, stating that “Ferdowsi University is fully prepared and equipped to interact with Iraqi universities, professors and students in academic and research affairs”.

The president of Ferdowsi University then presented statistical data on the scientific diplomacy of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and reiterated: “The positive approach taken by Ferdowsi University towards Iraqi students and other international students is based on the belief that educating a young generation of students is a clear scientific and human investment”. Dr. Kafi also mentioned some of the services provided by FUM for Iraqi universities and students including a one-month biotechnology workshop, three knowledge expansion courses of Persian Language and literature, and suitable accommodation, sport, educational, and research facilities.

Subsequently, Dr. Abdul Razzaq, the Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research stated that “Ferdowsi University of Mashhad is a well-known scientific organization for Iraqi students and professors”. He also thanked Ferdowsi University officials for providing international students with suitable educational, research and welfare facilities.

The Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research also pointed to the undeniable scientific growth of the Islamic Republic of Iran and emphasized the necessity for expanding scientific relations between the two countries. Dr. Abdul Razzaq said, “There is a high potential for more collaboration among top universities from both countries in order to expand higher education”. He also stressed that Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Iraqi universities can cooperate for developing new university majors in Iraq. The Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research specifically requested Ferdowsi University of Mashhad to support the establishment of the Persian Language Major at the University of Kufa.

The Iranian delegation also met with the Vice President for Research and Technology at the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Khoshnaw. During this meeting which was also attended by Dr. Salah Al-Fatlawi and Dr. Mousavi, the Advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Khoshnaw described the scientific development of Iran as “exemplary” and expressed his gratitude towards Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for its meaningful steps to enhance the scientific and educational level of Iraqi universities and students.

Following the visit of the high-ranking delegation from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad to the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, a dinner ceremony was held. This ceremony was attended by the Research Deputy of the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, five of the advisors to the Minister, and a number of ministry directors.