In July 2022, the Iranian deputy science minister Vahid Haddadi-Asl expressed Iran’s priority in increasing academic cooperation with Iraq among Islamic and neighboring countries. He mentioned that Iraq has the highest number of foreign nationals studying in Iran, and it is essential to address any issues they may face. By holding joint meetings between the heads of universities and research and technology centers in both countries, cooperation can be further enhanced.
In May 2023, Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Naeem Al-Aboudi, mentioned that many Iraqi youths are interested in pursuing higher education in Iran. He emphasized the high demand for studying in Iran among Iraqi students due to the friendly and neighboring relationship between the two countries. Currently, around 75,000 Iraqi nationals are studying in Iranian universities, showing the strong academic ties between the two nations.
During a meeting in Tehran between Al-Aboudi and Zolfigol, the importance of enhancing cooperation in the fields of science and research was highlighted. Both officials agreed that detailed planning and the formation of special working groups are necessary to boost cooperation. Zolfigol also emphasized the need for joint scientific exchanges and holding joint seminars between Iran and Iraq to further strengthen collaboration.
The Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, Mohammad-Ali Zolfigol, has appointed Nader Nourmohammadi as the science attaché in Iraq. The main responsibilities of the science attaché include identifying scientific capacities and facilities in Iraq, fostering scientific connections and cooperation with universities and research institutions in Iran