The Iranian Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, Hussein Simayi Sarraf, has expressed Iran’s readiness to collaborate with Iraq in establishing joint science and technology parks. This follows a request from Iraqi higher education officials seeking to benefit from Iran’s expertise in this area.
During a meeting in Tehran with Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Haider Abdul-Zahd, and his accompanying delegation, the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral scientific relations, focusing particularly on university students, research, and technology.
Key Highlights from the Meeting:
- Collaboration on Science Parks: Minister Sarraf affirmed Iran’s willingness to collaborate on establishing joint science and technology parks in Iraq, drawing on Iran’s successful experience. Iraq has already moved forward with the approval of relevant legislation in its Parliament.
- Educational Exchange: Iran expressed its readiness to welcome more Iraqi students, particularly in universities located in provinces near Iraq. Iraq proposed a reciprocal exchange, inviting Iranian students to study in Iraqi universities and offering 100 scholarships for Iranian students.
- Language and Cultural Integration: The Iraqi delegation highlighted the importance of Iraqi students learning Persian to enhance their understanding of Iranian culture and knowledge.
- Joint University Initiatives: Both parties explored opportunities for collaboration between universities, with plans to finalize agreements at a joint meeting of Iranian and Iraqi universities in Karbala.
- Future Cooperation: The Iraqi delegation extended an invitation to Minister Sarraf to attend the upcoming Karbala meeting, demonstrating Iraq’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Iran in the fields of education and technology.