On December 4, 2025, the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) welcomed the Canadian Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher Boehm, to campus for a series of high-level discussions with AUIS President Dr. Bilal Wahab and representatives of the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS).

The meeting featured a rich political discussion on the current political landscape in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, with a focus on governance, regional dynamics, and Canada’s engagement in the country. The Ambassador and the AUIS team exchanged views on unfolding developments and opportunities for constructive international partnerships.

Conversations also highlighted potential areas of collaboration in research and innovation programs, including ways to connect AUIS’s academic strengths with Canadian institutions and initiatives. Both sides emphasized the importance of trade and economic cooperation as part of a broader vision for long-term partnership.

Finally, the visit opened the door to exploring student and graduate exchange opportunities between AUIS and universities in Canada. Such exchanges would aim to provide AUIS students and alumni with greater exposure to international learning and professional environments, strengthening AUIS’s role as a regional hub for globally engaged education.