The Foreign Service Institute receives today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, a delegation of professors and students from the University of Baghdad / College of Political Science / Second Stage / Department of International Studies. This scientific visit aims to provide insight into the nature of the work performed by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Institute, as well as their roles in preparing and qualifying the Ministry’s personnel.
The delegation is led by Assistant Professor Basma Khalil Namiq Al-Awqati, with the attendance of Professor Dr. Amal Al-Khuzai, Instructor Dr. Hamid Habib Abdul-Ridha,Instructor Dr. Alia Abdul-Amir Abdul-Majid, and Assistant Instructor Mohammed Hashim. Greeting the delegation are the Deputy Deans of the Foreign Service Institute, Counselor Abeer Salem Khalifa and Counselor Dr. Haider Abdul-Razzaq Khalaf. Counselor Abeer Salem Khalifa welcomes the delegation and presents an introductory briefing on the Institute, covering its departments, operational mechanisms, and objectives. She further explains the employee admission system and the standards and skills required to join the diplomatic corps, emphasizing the vital importance of mastering foreign languages and upholding professional ethics and the competence necessary for diplomatic work. Additionally, she shares highlights from her professional experience in Iraqi embassies abroad, clarifying the nature of the tasks undertaken by diplomats and the role embassies play in representing Iraq and strengthening its relations with various countries.
For his part, Counselor Dr. Haider Abdul-Razzaq Khalaf welcomes the attendees, noting that the Institute’s work is based on the principle of integration between its various departments. He provides an overview of the departments under his supervision, reaffirming that proficiency in foreign languages is essential for success in the diplomatic service. He explains the Institute’s focus on promotion-related research linked to the Ministry’s operational issues and the role of the Institute’s Council in shaping scientific research policies and directing them toward issues that serve Iraq’s interests. He also highlights the role of the Institute’s library in supporting researchers and offers several pieces of advice to students regarding mastering their specialization and building scientific and professional qualifications on solid foundations.
The visit also features a presentation by the Head of the Development Department at the Institute, Counselor Hassan Akram Taher, who discusses the operational mechanism of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its most prominent tasks and activities. Students interact by asking questions and discussing several related topics. Furthermore, the delegation visits the Institute’s library to view its historical and political books and archived documents, documenting the visit with several photographs aimed at fostering self-development and enhancing scientific capabilities.
This visit comes as part of the efforts of the College of Political Science – University of Baghdad to strengthen scientific communication between academic institutions and government entities, thereby contributing to broadening students’ knowledge of the nature of diplomatic work and the requirements for integration into state institutions.
