Iraqi minister praises Qatar’s education system

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq, Dr Qusai al-Suhail, has hailed the strong brotherly relations between his country and Qatar, noting that the mutual visits between the officials in Doha and Baghdad at the highest level reflect the common desire to consolidate and strengthen the bonds of co-operation between the brothers in both countries.In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of his current visit to the country, Dr al-Suhail said that Qatar and Iraq have a common desire to strengthen their previous co-operation agreements, pointing out that the Qatari-Iraqi Committee will be activated significantly during the next phase to achieve mutual benefit.He added that co-operation between Qatar and Iraq has begun to move forward in the interest of both sides.The Iraqi minister said that his current visit to Doha comes within the framework of the general co-ordination with the brothers in Qatar, pointing out that the visit will focus on aspects related to education and the capabilities of the Qatari educational institutions in order to identify opportunities for future co-operation in these areas.There are many mechanisms to implement everything that will be agreed upon, he added.He underlined that the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is committed to the implementation of the government programme that emphasises the inclusion of Iraqi universities into the global classifications, noting that brothers in Qatar have an excellent experience in this field.Certainly, he added, there is a serious co-operation between the two sides in the application of international standards and the promotion of this co-operation to serve mutual interests at the international level.The minister stressed that both countries are also interested in strengthening mechanisms of joint scientific research and finding suitable opportunities for academic training between the two sides, thus contributing to the establishment of joint research centres between Qatar and Iraq.Dr al-Suhail praised the educational system in Qatar, and said that it deserves praise, admiration and the exchange of experiences with it, because it is based on solid scientific foundations and various international experiences that placed it in advanced positions at the level of the region and the Middle East, even when compared with some international centres.Asked whether it is important in light of the Qatari-Iraqi co-operation to establish a committee for educational co-operation between the two countries, the Iraqi minister said that the delegation has come to Doha to explore the prospects of scientific co-operation between the two countries and the possibility of signing memoranda of understanding and scientific agreements in this field, noting that the atmosphere they have seen and experienced during the visit is positive, and the brothers in Qatar have expressed their willingness to enhance opportunities for scientific co-operation with Iraq.He also expressed hope to have joint studies on specific aspects, including environmental and marine issues, and some research, as good progress has been made in areas such as nuclear engineering and life techniques, stressing that they are serious to work with the brothers in Qatar in everything that will explore, promote and develop relations between the various relevant Qatari institutions.Commenting on the developments in the region, the Iraqi minister said in his interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the region particularly needs mechanisms to co-operate and promote an atmosphere of dialogue and understanding between all parties, and stressed that the State of Qatar plays an important role in this system.Countries are not measured by their geographical and demographic size, but their political role and influence, he said, noting that the State of Qatar has demonstrated its good moral impact in the overall events in the region.It is appropriate for States with such a heavy weight to meet, co-ordinate and engage in a dialogue that would serve all peoples of the region in terms of political, economic and social considerations, the minister said.He stressed that Iraq is open to all its brotherly countries which have to return to it, expressing hope that there will be practical steps to promote this return and dialogue between all.On the outcome of the Iraq reconstruction conference hosted by  Kuwait in February 2018, Dr al-Suhail said that all donors have been waiting until the formation of the new Iraqi government to take practical steps, noting that Iraqis appreciate any economic, political or moral role in support for their country.He also appreciated the role played by Qatar saying that the future prospects are open to both sides towards further co-operation.He affirmed that Iraq now enjoys security, and that political stability is widely accepted, despite the incomplete formation of the government because of the disparity in views between the parties.It is a natural that States where many parties exist experience such problems and delays, he added.Iraqis are able to overcome this naturally, and Iraq is ready to expand the horizons of political, economic and investment co-operation with all the countries surrounding it and has no specific node towards a specific country, al-Suhail said.Regarding the Palestinian cause, Dr al-Suhail stressed that Iraq always stands with what the Palestinians decide, and that it remains in this position and will continue to support the Palestinian people.Iraq is looking for prospects for co-operation, as the region is now undergoing new balances after difficult circumstances that have forced all parties to reassess their situation in general internally and regionally.The process of assessing the situation is a positive issue that will have positive attitudes to strengthen co-operation among peoples of the region, he noted, expressing optimism in this regard.Dr Qusai al-Suhail reiterated the common desire for fraternal co-operation between Qatar and Iraq, and said that the atmosphere and horizons are open between the two sides for co-operation in all directions.