During Iraqi-British Universities Forum (Iraq-Uk Higher Education Dialogue), which was held in London, His Excellency, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi launched the Academic Bridge Program initiative between Iraq and the United Kingdom and delivered an official copy to the British Council in the British capital, London.

Dr. Al-Aboudi reviewed that “The possibilities for cooperation between the universities of the two countries are wide and diverse in terms of joint research initiatives and academic exchange, all the way to developing education programs, especially regarding medical and engineering fields, capacity building and keeping pace with global academic trends”.

His Excellency called for formulating a framework for cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and sustainability, as well as proposing the formation of a bilateral working group that includes representatives of the academic and governmental sectors in the two countries to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ensure the smooth implementation of joint initiatives.

Dr. Al-Aboudi called for this understanding to be a starting point towards positive partnerships between universities that pave the way for excellence and global academic cooperation.

His Excellency highlighted that the forum’s activities and dialogues were attended by a number of presidents of Iraqi public and private universities and their British counterparts, and a number of advisors, experts, general directors and cultural advisors.

For their part, the participants reviewed their perceptions in the light of understanding considering the proposed initiative launched by His Excellency, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi.