The Ambassador of the European Union to Iraq, Mr. Klemens Semtner, visited the American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB), where he met university President, Dr. Bradley Cook, and senior members of its cadre. In this introductory meeting, the two parties discussed various themes relevant to the advancement of higher education in Iraq in a manner that serves the diversification of the national economy and the support of Small and Medium Enterprises, in alignment with the Iraqi government’s vision.
President Cook gave the visiting delegation an overview of the university: its inception, the development of its facilities and programs, its research centers engaging in applied projects, its social initiatives, and future programs. Noting the high demand for quality education in Iraq, he spoke on AUIB’s ongoing efforts to achieve accreditation for its various programs, as well as to achieve full institutional accreditation.
Ambassador Semtner appreciated the potential that AUIB has, expressing his curiosity to follow the university’s progress and the development of its various programs and initiatives. He spoke on the EU delegation’s role in advising the Iraqi government on sustainability and development, issues that are at the core of shared concerns with AUIB, noting that the role of the diplomatic delegation he heads is to “set best practices,” rather than to engage directly.
