UT Agrees to Iraqi Student Exchange Program

Iraq's minister of higher education says a new initiative for Iraqi students and professors will see increased academic cooperation between his country and the United States.

Minister Abed Theyab says an agreement has been reached with the University of Texas, University of North Carolina and Ohio State University for professor and student exchanges.

The initiative includes more money for Fulbright scholarships so that Iraqi students can study in the U.S.

Tayeb made the announcement at a joint press conference Thursday with the U.S. counselor for public affairs in Iraq, Adam Ereli.

Ereli says he hopes to attract more American universities to the effort over the next two years.

This announcement is seen as an effort to bridge stronger ties between Iraq with the West.