A High-Level Delegation from Iraq, in Collaboration with the International Trade Center, Visits AAU

Our university president, Prof. Sari Hamdan, along with the Vice President for International Relations and Quality Affairs, Prof. Anas Al-Saud, the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Dr. Subhiyya Suaifan, and the vice deans, Dr. Rasha Al-Tarawneh and Dr. Murad Al-Maaytah, welcomed a high-level delegation from the brotherly Republic of Iraq, led by Prof. Tarek Al-Ani. The visit was part of the "Strengthening the Agricultural and Food Value Chain and Improving Trade Policy in Iraq (SAAVI)" project, implemented by the International Trade Center with funding from the European Union. Prof. Sari Hamdan welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the importance of agricultural technology and technical education, as well as our AAU’s role in supporting food security through the educational and technical services provided by the Faculty of Agricultural Technology. The head of the delegation pointed out the importance of learning from Jordanian expertise in developing a technical, vocational, and agricultural training strategy in Iraq. Prof. Anas Al-Saud gave a detailed presentation on the university's achievements aimed at enhancing its standing, particularly in meeting global quality standards and rankings, as well as promoting scientific research and updating an integrated system of disciplines that align with the ever-changing job market. Prof. Anas emphasized the university's commitment to utilizing all its resources to serve its students and provide an optimal educational environment to help them develop their skills and achieve their academic and professional goals. The Iraqi delegation included a group of academics, advisors, and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Planning, as well as representatives from the International Trade Center. Distinguished representatives from the public and private sectors of Jordan were also present. The Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology delivered a welcome speech, highlighting the importance of agricultural technology in achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring food security. She highlighted the establishment of the Regional Food Security Center in Jordan, as well as the role of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology in equipping the agricultural sector with engineers proficient in modern agricultural technology. The delegation received a presentation about the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and toured the Molecular Biology Laboratory, where they witnessed the identification and transfer of genes to enhance traits that combat climate change. The delegation also visited the Tissue Culture Laboratory, which propagates various plant species. The visit also included a tour of the Greenhouse Unit, which houses the Smart Agricultural House, where innovative systems and modern technologies, such as hydroponic systems for optimal water management, were demonstrated. The dialogue session with the delegation yielded several recommendations, the most significant of which was the impending formalization of memoranda of understanding between AAU and Tikrit and Mosul Universities.