Iraq, Egypt sign deal on higher education collaboration

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research signed a three-year deal with Egypt on Thursday to strengthen collaboration between universities in both countries.

“The deal ensures collaboration between universities and scientific institutes of both countries,” said a statement released by the Iraqi ministry on Thursday night. 

“[The deal] offers Iraqi students opportunities and scholarships in all fields of higher education, along with research opportunities for teachers and lecturers in the different scientific fields,” the statement added.

The deal follows a series of agreements signed by Baghdad and Cairo back in October.

The two countries signed 15 agreements, memorandums of understanding and cooperation protocols in a Baghdad meeting attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly on October 31.

“The government is committed to developing the Iraqi-Egyptian partnership, and is serious about working to improve the investment environment in Iraq”, Kadhimi’s office said.

The agreements cover the environment, trade and finance, healthcare and road and bridge development, according to Iraqi state media.