Professor Dr. Bahaa Ibraheem Ansaf, President of the University of Baghdad, received the French Ambassador in Iraq, Mr. Patrick Durel, along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by Professor Dr. Suhail Najm Abdullah, Scientific Assistant of the University President; Dr. Sadiq Awad Kazem, Assistant Director of the Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Professor Dr. Ali Adnan Mashoush, Dean of the College of Languages; and several officials from the University of Baghdad.
During the meeting, both parties discussed a number of topics of mutual interest, most notably the depth of cultural and scientific relations between Iraq and France, and ways to enhance academic cooperation between Iraqi and French universities. They emphasized the importance of the French Corner, scheduled to open at the University of Baghdad on November 23, which will serve as a platform to promote cultural and linguistic exchange among students and faculty, and to reinforce the presence of the French language within Iraqi academic circles—particularly in the College of Languages, which maintains extensive collaboration with the French side.
Discussions also covered the cooperation agreement between the College of Media and the “France Médias” network, aimed at supporting training programs and enhancing student competencies in modern media fields. The conversation extended to study programs in France across various scientific disciplines offered in both French and English, as well as employment opportunities for graduates in French companies operating in Iraq, through the development of student skills aligned with labor market demands.
The two sides further explored avenues for attracting French companies to the “Science and Technology Parks” at the University of Baghdad, thereby fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship. Reference was made to the Scientific Assistant’s visit to France and his meetings with three French universities to explore prospects for future cooperation. The “Study in Iraq” initiative was also discussed, including invitations for French students to pursue studies at Iraqi universities, and for French professors and researchers to participate in international conferences hosted by the University of Baghdad.
The meeting concluded by reaffirming the significance of the French Language Department within the College of Languages, and the college’s role in expanding summer courses for students and faculty focused on linguistic training and development—contributing to the consolidation of academic and cultural ties between the two friendly nations.
This initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 4, which advocates for quality education, and Goal 17, which promotes partnerships for achieving the goals.
