According to the Public Relations Department of  University of Qom, Dr. Yasser Abdul Zahra Al-Hajjaj, the cultural attaché of Iraq in Iran, stated in a meeting with the members of the Qom University executive board: "International University of Qom has emerged from the status and importance of Qom province, and the unique position of Qom province in terms of religious and cultural centers in Iran also elevates the significance of Qom University as the leading university."

 

He continued: "One of our important priorities in terms of investment in the scientific sector is with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Qom province, and it will remain so."

 

Dr. Yasser Abdul Zahra Al-Hajjaj added: "Unfortunately, in the past, negative perceptions of the cultural and scientific environment of Qom province were formed within the framework of the Ministry of Science and among scientific elites in Iraq, and sometimes deliberate propaganda against the culture and science of this province was carried out in virtual spaces, where minor issues were blown out of proportion. As a result, the prevailing perception was such that all sciences offered in Qom province have a religious aspect, but Qom University has somehow managed to break this stereotype."

 

He further stated: "Some time ago, a major event titled 'The Week of Science between Iraq and Iran' took place in Mashhad, where more than seventy scientific figures, officials from the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, and university presidents participated, and approximately 180 agreements were signed between various universities of the two countries."

 

Dr. Yasser Abdul Zahra Al-Hajjaj continued: There are numerous enemies against both States, and these enemies seek to disrupt the scientific relations that have deep roots and lead to strategic progress. However, Minister Sudani of Iraq is moving with greater strength towards the formation of this relationship.

 

The cultural attaché of Iraq in Iran added: The perspective of both ministries towards the International University of Qom is a strategic one; therefore, this relationship with Qom University, known as the mother university of the province, should naturally expand. This is particularly important with the University's president, who represents the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology. Establishing connections with other universities can also be facilitated through this channel.

 

He stated: The purpose of our meeting today is to emphasize that our priority for expanding relations between the universities of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on expanding relations with cultural and religious centers, especially Mashhad and Qom. The cultural, moral, and scientific capacities of Qom province, with a focus on the International University of Qom, should be maximized.

 

Dr. Yasser Abdul Zahra Al-Hajjaj added: The relationship between Qom University and us should not be limited to student recruitment. Instead, it should move towards strategic partnerships in technical and scientific disciplines other than humanities.

 

The cultural attaché of Iraq in Iran stated: The inclusion of Qom University in the list of employee students will be considered, but in addition to legal prerequisites, customary prerequisites must also be fulfilled. We must move towards introducing the University to expedite this process. The realization of this matter is also dependent on holding joint sessions, collaborative research activities, and reciprocal visits between Iraqi and Iranian universities.

 

He continued: Among the factors contributing to the expansion of Iran-Iraq relations is the organization of joint courses and conferences in areas such as electricity, mechanics, and chemistry, where Qom University has a good standing.

 

Dr. Yasser Abdul Zahra Al-Hajjaj added: Another aspect for expanding relations is the participation of Iraqi university faculty members in discussions, journals, articles, and offering solutions to common issues such as micro-particles.

 

The cultural attaché of Iraq in Iran stated: Another issue regarding the expansion of relations is scholarships. The granting of scholarships from Qom University to Iraqi universities is highly significant. Although this does not solve the problems between Iran and Iraq, it will enhance the reputation of the University within the Iraqi Ministry of Science due to the cultural aspect it possesses.

 

He further added: Recently, the Iranian Minister of Science, Research, and Technology has also allocated around a hundred scholarships for Iraqi students, and in return, the Iraqi Ministry of Science has taken similar steps. This action will lead to Iran's entry into a scientific equation and scientific diplomacy.

 

Dr. Yasser Abdul Zahra Al-Hajjaj concluded: What happens in the matter of scholarships is the entrance of an elite student into Iran who is also proficient in language skills. This student has passed through three stages: the Iraqi Ministry of Science, the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, and Qom University. Additionally, it should be noted that when students come to Qom University, they should not only excel academically but also reach higher levels in terms of culture and values.