In line with the expansion of international cooperation and with the aim of reviewing and facilitating affairs related to international students, a joint session was held between the international directors of the University of Kurdistan (UOK) and Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (MUK). During the meeting, areas of collaboration and strategies to enhance services provided to international students were discussed and deliberated.

The session was convened following an official invitation from Dr. Farzad Parvizpour, Director of International Affairs at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. Representing the University of Kurdistan were Dr. Hossein Bivorani, Director of International Relations; Dr. Hemen Noorbakhsh, Director of International Student Affairs; Dr. Najmuddin Jabbari, Head of the Persian Language Training Center for Non-Persian Speakers (AZFA); and Mr. Safizadeh, Head of the Consular Section.

Representing Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences were Dr. Yadollah Zarezadeh, Vice President for Academic Affairs and chair of the session; Hojjat al-Islam Davoud Behnasr, Cultural Deputy of the Representative Office of the Supreme Leader; Colonel Haghighi, Officer in Charge of Foreign Nationals; and a group of experts and staff from the International Affairs Office of the University of Medical Sciences.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views and emphasized the critical role of international students in fostering scientific and cultural interactions between universities. They underscored the necessity of providing suitable conditions for their education and residency. Furthermore, strategies for offering enhanced facilities, accelerating and streamlining consular processes, and procedures related to student visas and residency permits were thoroughly examined.

Another key focus of the session was the Persian language training for international students of both universities, a responsibility managed by the AZFA Center at the University of Kurdistan. In this regard, the participants emphasized the design and implementation of an appropriate, flexible, and modular educational program. Such a program would allow international students to dedicate more time to learning Persian during their first academic semester, thereby facilitating their integration into the scientific, cultural, and social environment of the country and their respective universities.

The meeting continued with an emphasis on the continuity of interaction and cooperation between the two universities in the fields of international affairs and foreign student services. Attendees noted that synergy and the exchange of experiences between the two institutions would pave the way for improving service quality and strengthening the international standing of the province's universities.

At the conclusion of this cordial session, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences presented plaques of appreciation to Colonel Haghighi (Foreign Nationals Officer), Mr. Safizadeh (Head of the Consular Section at UOK), and Ms. Zand (Consular Expert at UOK) in recognition of their dedicated efforts and cooperation in facilitating international student affairs and inter-university collaboration.

This session represents a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation, streamlining processes related to foreign students, and expanding educational and welfare services for international students within the universities of Kurdistan Province.