Padua, Italy - Dr. Khalid Al-Ardawi, envoy of the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, paid an official visit to the Catholic Institute of Oriental Studies in Italy to explore avenues for joint research and scientific cooperation and to strengthen academic partnerships.
During the visit, Al-Ardawi met with the Dean of the Institute, Dawood Nizar, and Professor Basha, Head of the Department of Eastern Christian Sciences. The discussions focused on expanding institutional cooperation, fostering interfaith dialogue, and drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be reviewed prior to formal adoption. The proposed MoU covers exchange visits and joint research projects.
In a statement to Al-Nabaa News Agency, Al-Ardawi explained that the delegation engaged with the Vatican-affiliated Pontifical Oriental Institute, which is regarded as a well-established academic institution in Europe, and toured its facilities, departments, and academic library. He noted that the institute consists of two faculties: one specializing in Eastern Christian Heritage and the other in Christian Law. Each faculty comprises three departments and confers specialized master's and doctoral degrees.
Al-Ardawi emphasized that the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue is dedicated to building bridges with Arab and international academic bodies while enhancing collaboration with official institutions and Iraqi researchers.
Additionally, the Forum’s envoy participated in a panel discussion titled “Our Roots in Human Fraternity,” held on Saturday in Padua, northeastern Italy. Organized in collaboration with the Forum and various religious organizations, the event aimed to promote interfaith dialogue, open new avenues of cooperation with official and non-official institutions, and project an authentic, positive image of Iraq in international forums.
