URGENT: Iraq, Russia, sign several cultural, scientific agreements

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq and Russia have signed a number of cultural and scientific agreements during a visit by a high-ranking Iraqi delegation, led by the Iraqi Ministry of Culture’s Senior Undersecretary, Jabir al-Jabiry, to Moscow from 15 to 24 Sept., at an invitation by the Russian Maratov and St-Petersburg Universities , an Iraqi Culture Ministry statement reported on Monday.   Jabery, who also holds the position of the General Supervisor of the Activities of the Noble city of Najaf, the Capital of the Islamic Culture, has reiterated, in a speech during the signing of the agreements on “the role of Najaf in supporting the Islamic Civilization with several cultural, religious and literature achievements, being an important source for this ancient civilization.”   On his part, the Rector of St-Petersburg University, at his position as a specialist in Eastern History, had highly assessed Iraq ’s historic role in supplying Arab and Islamic Civilizations, and even International ones, with several treasures of knowledge in a large number of specializations that served human development.   The Representative of Najaf’s Scientific Seminary, Mohammed al-Khaqany, presented a symbolic gift for St-Petersburg University , comprising a collection of precious and specialized books in Islamic heritage, including the holy cities of Najaf and Kufa.   Najaf’s Governor, on his part, extended an invitation for the Russian side to attend Najaf’s celebration, being the Capital of the Islamic Culture for 2012, for which the Rector of the Russian University accepted the invitation.   The statement quoted the Iraqi Cultural Advisor in Federal Russia, Tu’ma Muteir Hussein, his confirmation on “necessity to strengthen joint cooperation between the two countries, through the signing of a number of agreements that would contribute in the exchange of expertise among both countries.”   Hussein, meanwhile, had highly assessed the Russian cooperation in granting free scholarships for hundreds of Iraqi students in different levels and specializations, thing that helped in graduation of a large number of Iraqi students over the past 50 years.   SKH (FT) 321