Under the patronage of Mr. Saad Shahin Hamadi, the respected President of the University of Basra, the university opened its second cultural week with Ferdowsi Mashhad University in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The opening ceremony was attended by the representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Hazem Baqer, the Director of the Missions and Cultural Relations Department, Dr. Haitham Baqer, the President of Ferdowsi Mashhad University, Dr. Ahad Dabati, and the representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Mojtaba Hosseini, as well as members of the University of Basra's council, a large audience of government officials, academics, and students.

Regarding the objective of renewing the cultural forum, the President of the University, Dr. Saad Shahin Hamadi, stated, "This forum, sponsored by the University of Basra in its second edition, following the first edition held by Ferdowsi Mashhad University in December of last year on the grounds of the Islamic Republic, aims to introduce the culture, literature, and arts of both universities and strengthen the academic ties between them, in implementation of the academic protocol signed between our university and Ferdowsi Mashhad University. The protocol includes exchange of experiences and cultures according to a divided and scheduled work plan that involves the exchange of lecturers and supervisors for postgraduate students, joint research teams, joint publications in scientific journals, as well as organizing joint scientific and cultural conferences and activating fellowships. Many of these goals have already been achieved."

Shahin added, "The cultural week includes numerous scientific and cultural activities on its first and second days, such as scientific lectures by professors from Ferdowsi Mashhad University, folklore shows, religious chants by guest groups to introduce the people of Basra to Persian culture. Additionally, a workshop for calligraphy and ornamentation will be opened in the College of Fine Arts in cooperation with the Cultural Center, along with an exhibition of visual art, a joint book fair, a Quranic gathering and competition, and joint matches for futsal, chess, volleyball, and various cultural and artistic events."

In turn, the President of Ferdowsi Mashhad University expressed his gratitude for strengthening the cultural and scientific ties between Iraqi and Iranian universities, stating, "I extend my warmest welcome and greetings to the Iraqi universities, especially the University of Basra, and to this day's forum, which holds great significance for both universities in deepening cultural and scientific relations. The collaborations between us go beyond description, and we are now focused on expanding these collaborations. We, at Ferdowsi Mashhad University, are proud to have around 1,000 Iraqi students enrolled in postgraduate studies for master's and doctoral degrees across various disciplines."

Dr. Hazem Baqer, the representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated, "On this special occasion, the uniqueness of university institutions and their cultural and scientific identities are highlighted in creating a suitable environment for cultural and intellectual exchange and fostering a policy of cooperation and bridging scientific distances through openness and not confining ourselves to local scientific climates but rather embracing positive interaction. The cultural week between the two universities represents one of the most important goals of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to depart from individual and local paths and achieve a form of scientific and cultural cross-pollination with international scientific systems. In our modern era, knowledge and education have reached a level of importance that surpasses the significance of capital strength in sustainable development.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is keen on building cultural and academic partnerships

 with friendly and sister universities. I congratulate the University of Basra on the success of its forum today, as it has drawn an international path that befits the identity of this ancient city through the organization of various forum activities."