A joint meeting between the Consul General of the Republic of Iraq in Isfahan and his delegation with Yazd Province’s Deputy for Political, Security, and Regional Affairs, alongside representatives from Yazd leading universities was held on February 15, 2026 (Bahman 26, 1404) to explore opportunities for scientific, research, technological, and tourism collaboration between universities in Yazd and Iraq.
During the meeting, Ismail Dehestani, Deputy for Political, Security, and Social Affairs of Yazd Province, pointed to shared cultural and religious ties between Iran and Iraq and described provincial diplomacy as a key focus of the new government. He noted that there are broad opportunities for cooperation between the two nations in cultural, scientific, tourism, economic, and technological fields, which can foster deeper collaboration.
Ahmed Latif Ali, Consul General of Iraq in Isfahan, noted Iran’s favorable position in terms of services, facilities, and quality of life, as well as the country’s cultural and climatic diversity, describing it as a major asset. He added that Yazd’s climate and environment share similarities with cities in Iraq, making Yazd Universities particularly valuable for Iraqi students in academic, spiritual, and geographical terms. He emphasized that holding joint conferences and engaging Iraqi and Iranian faculty are effective steps toward developing bilateral cooperation.
Highlighting Yazd’s leadership in industry, mining, medicine, and science and technology, he added that the province has the infrastructure and qualified faculty to support initiatives in health tourism, knowledge-based companies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, making joint scientific conferences feasible.
Dr. Seyed Heydar Mirfakhradini, President of Yazd University, highlighted the university’s capacities and capabilities, stating that Yazd University is ready for any form of academic and educational cooperation with Iraqi universities and hopes to further facilitate the enrollment of Iraqi students. International students, including those from Iraq, can greatly benefit from well-equipped laboratories, high-quality education, dormitories for single and married students, a Persian language center for international students, strong international connections, and affordable tuition fees.
He further remarked that, given the cultural and climatic similarities between Yazd and Iraq and the presence of Iraqi residents in Yazd, joint scientific and cultural conferences could strengthen bilateral interactions.
Dr. Mohammad Bagher Owlia from Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences highlighted the university’s strengths in healthcare, education, and research and expressed readiness to expand scientific cooperation, faculty and student exchanges, and health tourism initiatives. He also noted that Yazd’s Infertility Research Center, under Prof. Abbas Aflatoonian, is internationally recognized and credited with Iran’s first IVF birth, offering strong potential for joint scientific and medical collaborations with Iraq.
Dr. Mohammad Ali Ghanizadeh, Deputy for Health, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Yazd’s Red Crescent Society, shared the organization’s experience in rescue operations, crisis management, specialized training, and international cooperation, emphasizing opportunities to enhance bilateral interactions with Iraq, particularly in health and emergency services.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue these discussions and transform them into formal agreements and joint programs between Yazd Province and Iraq.
