Ministry of Higher Education Delegation, Including Cihan University-Erbil President, Continues Tour with a Visit to Krakow University of Technology
Continuing its tour of Polish universities, the delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research visited the Rector of Krakow University of Technology on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by Professor Andrzej Szarata, PhD, DSc, Rector of Krakow University of Technology. A comprehensive meeting was subsequently held, attended by Professor Katarzyna Bizoń, PhD, DSc, Vice-Rector for Education and International Cooperation, and Katarzyna Baron-Lisiakiewicz, MA, Head of the International Relations Office. During the meeting, the participants discussed a number of mutual academic and scientific interests.
The meeting commenced with remarks by Dr. Amir Chali, Undersecretary of the Ministry and head of the delegation, who expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. He then provided an overview of the higher education landscape and the scientific infrastructure of universities and institutes in the Kurdistan Region. Subsequently, the presidents of the public and private universities comprising the KRG delegation presented the academic profiles, international partnerships, and strategic priorities of their respective institutions. In this context, Prof. Dr. Amjad delivered a comprehensive overview of the university’s history, organizational structure, and distinguished standing. He also highlighted its academic programs, educational systems, and highly qualified academic staff.
In response, Professor Andrzej Szarata expressed his pleasure at the delegation’s visit. The two sides then exchanged views and experiences on a range of academic and institutional matters. The Kurdistan Region delegation highlighted its efforts to advance university internationalization, develop quality assurance systems, and strengthen the position of the Kurdistan Region’s higher education institutions within the international scientific community.
To this end, both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation with European academic partners to further advance the higher education system in the Kurdistan Region. Such cooperation includes strengthening quality assessment mechanisms, enhancing accreditation processes, and promoting internationalization efforts.
The delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research includes Dr. Mohammed Kalari, Head of the Supervision and Quality Assurance; Dr. Sabah Ibrahim Wais, Adviser to the Ministry; Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil; and the presidents of Salahaddin, Erbil Polytechnic University, and Tishk International University. At the invitation of several Polish universities, the delegation has been visiting Poland for several days to strengthen academic relations. During the visit, the delegation held numerous scientific meetings and discussions with various institutions in Poland.
