On the evening of Monday, May 11, 2026, Prof. Dr. Aras Fariq Zainal, President of the University of Garmian, along with members of the University Council, received Mr. Liu Jun, the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in the Kurdistan Region, and Mr. Abu Karwan, General Secretary of the Kurdistan Communist Party.

The meeting focused on the university’s strategic goal to expand its international scientific collaborations and build robust relationships with Chinese academic institutions.

Strategic Proposals for Academic Growth

During the discussions, attended by the university’s vice presidents and college deans, Prof. Zainal presented several key initiatives to the Chinese Consul:

• China Corner: A dedicated space within the University’s Central Library to promote cultural and academic exchange.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training: Specialized training programs for faculty members to prepare for the integration of AI into the university's diverse curricula.

• Faculty Development:Leveraging international programs offered by the consulate to enhance the scientific expertise of university staff.

  China’s Commitment and Practical Steps

Consul General Liu Jun praised the University of Garmian’s dedication to academic excellence and confirmed that his office is actively working toward signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Garmian and Chinese universities.

He announced several immediate practical steps:

• Establishing the "China Corner" in the near future.

• Supporting a Chinese Research Center at the university.

• Expanding the Huawei Academy, already established at the University of Garmian.

• Online AI Training Courses specifically designed for the university’s teaching staff.

Institutional Appreciation

The President of the University expressed his gratitude to the Kurdistan Communist Party for facilitating this high-level diplomatic and academic meeting. The visit concluded with an exchange of honorary gifts between the University President and the Consul General, symbolizing a new era of cooperation between the University of Garmian and the People's Republic of China.