On Tuesday, March 14th, 2023, the Papal delegation attending the Christian-Islamic Forum at the University of Kufa visited the Association of Specialized Studies headquarters between The scientific seminary and the university.

Mr. Kassem Al-Hashimi, the Director of the Association, warmly greeted the visiting delegation and briefly introduced the Association’s mission. He emphasized the Association’s commitment to promoting scientific cooperation between academic institutions, notably the University of Kufa and the UNESCO Chair.

Dr. Alaa Shatnan, the Director of the UNESCO Chair, expressed his keen interest in collaborating with the Association. He emphasized the significance of this dialogue as a crucial step towards future collaboration between UNESCO Chair and the Association, particularly in activities related to interfaith dialogue.

There was a dialogue meeting with the papal delegation during which the dialogue of religions was emphasized and the importance of visiting the Vatican Pope to Najaf al-Ashraf and the historic meeting that brought together the religious authority Ali Al Sistani and the human dimension of this historic meeting in the spirit of fraternity and peace. The delegation also commended the collaborative efforts of religious institutions and the University of Kufa, specifically the UNESCO Chair, for contributing to the study of religious dialogue and promoting tolerance and peace in Iraq.

Translated into English by Shaima Adnan.