The Rector met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Dr. Haider Alburiahi, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Iraq, discussed opportunities for developing the bilateral cooperation in the fields of education and scientific research. Mr. Hussein Hadi Mishbak, Regional Advisor on Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, based in Romania, also participated in the meeting.

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov expressed the readiness of UNWE to expand the cooperation with Iraqi universities by signing memoranda of understanding. "We are ready to sign memoranda of understanding with Iraqi universities, relying on your expertise to recommend the most suitable partners. We can do this here in Sofia, in Baghdad, or online". The Rector of UNWE noted that the University already implements a new, more effective approach to international agreements: "In the past, we signed agreements only between the Rector and the Ambassador, and nothing happened because everyone was very busy. That is why now we include specific coordinators from both sides in each memorandum to work on operational issues - how many students, when they will arrive, what subjects they will study, and how the whole process will be coordinated."

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov and Dr. Haider Alburiahi /from the right to the left/

The Rector presented the opportunities for foreign students to study at the UNWE. The University provide six Bachelor's programmes in English, in which nearly 200 European students are enrolled. "We invite Iraqi students to join these programmes. We could also provide accommodation in student dormitories", said Prof. Dimitrov. He also pointed out the University's successful experience in organizing short-term summer courses for students from India and Pakistan, emphasizing that UNWE issues academic documents for the credits obtained which can be recognized by the partner universities. The guests were particularly interested in the specialized programmes /executive programmes/ for senior managers and experts. "Such programmes could be held both in person in Bulgaria and online", explained the Rector. He highlighted the opportunities for cooperation under the Erasmus+ Programme, including in the areas of mobility and capacity building as well as under the Horizon Europe Programme.

He highlighted as a strategic advantage the participation of UNWE in the ENGAGE.EU alliance – a network of 10 leading European business universities. "I am currently the Chairman of this consortium and we will take advantage of this position to expand the international partnerships", pointed out Prof. Dimitrov.

During the meeting, the possibility of applying a franchise model of education in Iraq was also discussed, following the example of partnerships already implemented in other countries. "We could provide our curricula and the training could take place on site in Iraq. This solves the problem of visas and a number of administrative and logistical issues,", said the Rector. He also proposed an innovative opportunity - training students in Iraq in Arabic by local lecturers who would be consulted and methodologically supported by teams from the UNWE.

Dr. Haider Alburiahi, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Mr. Hussein Hadi Mishbak /from the left to the right/

Dr. Haider Alburiahi outlined the importance of the meeting as a first step toward a long-term strategic partnership. "I am ready to provide support at all times to turn these ideas into a real cooperation". He expressed confidence that his academic experience would contribute to a more effective dialogue between the institutions. He highlighted the scale of the Iraqi education system - 46 state and over 80 private universities - and extended an official invitation to the Rector of UNWE to visit Iraq to continue the talks on site. "The technology has changed the way we work. Let's maintain direct and constant contact to speed up the process", suggested Dr. Alburiahi.

The Regional Councilor for Cultural Affairs Mr. Hussein Hadi Mishbak shared his impressions of the role of UNWE in Bulgarian public and economic life: "I am impressed by the heritage and influence of the University. I understand that many Ministers and Prime Ministers have graduated here. In this sense, the UNWE is Bulgaria's Harvard".

Mr. Mishbak emphasized on the opportunities for student mobility /15-20 credits for a period of 2-3 months/, participation in the Erasmus+ Programme, development of franchise partnerships and exchange of lecturers. "There is interest from Iraqi institutions in attracting Bulgarian professors for teaching, scientific guidance and participation in examination committees and the necessary conditions will be provided", said the Regional Councilor.

At the end of the meeting the parties agreed to maintain communication and initiate follow-up online discussions at expert level in order to specify the future steps. The meeting laid the foundations for a new stage in the academic cooperation between the UNWE and the educational institutions in the Republic of Iraq with a focus on practical results, student and lecturers mobility and the development of joint educational and scientific initiatives.