Meeting with the Administrative Staff of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

On 13 August 2025, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Kuala Lumpur, Counselor Ahmed Ghanim Abdul Jabbar, together with the Cultural Attaché of the Iraqi Regional Cultural Office in Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Abdul Jalil Mohammed Majeed, met with the administrative staff of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The visiting delegation from USM was led by Dr. Siti Rahilah Rahmat, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of the International Engagement Office, accompanied by Ms. Siti Munirah Abdul Razak, Assistant Director of the same office, and Ms. Clarin Tan from the Admissions Office.

The meeting included an explanation of USM’s plans for future cooperation and joint initiatives (future work) which the university seeks to implement in a way that positively contributes to its academic progress aimed at supporting the university’s academic mission and enhancing the academic and research environment for its students and faculty members. This will be achieved through the signing of multiple partnership agreements with reputable universities worldwide, including leading Iraqi universities.

Dr. Rahmat commended Iraqi universities, highlighting the official procedures currently being pursued to build strategic academic and scientific cooperation with them, citing in particular the University of Baghdad, the University of Mosul, the University of Technology, and Al-Mustansiriyah University. She also praised Iraqi students for their academic performance and their positive social relations with fellow students from various countries.

The Chargé d’Affaires a.i. spoke about the nature of Iraqi society in general, highlighting its openness and the ease with which Iraqis build social relations with other communities — a point that was unanimously agreed upon by the participants. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by Iraqi students in various Malaysian universities, such as residence permit renewal procedures and other related matters.

Both the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. and the Cultural Attaché stressed the importance of providing additional facilitation and support to Iraqi students in overcoming such challenges.

Dr. Rahmat pledged to convey these requests to the deanship leadership and affirmed USM’s commitment to continuing cooperation and coordination with the Iraqi Embassy, in order to further strengthen Iraqi-Malaysian academic and scientific relations.