Iraqi First Lady Calls for Stronger Iraq-Iran Cooperation in Culture, Education & Gender Equality

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed & Dr. Jamileh Alamolhoda, widow of the late Iranian President

Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed offered condolences to Dr. Jamileh Alamolhoda, widow of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, and called for stronger Iraq-Iran cooperation in culture, education and gender Equality, the Iraqi Presidency reported on Saturday, 1 February 2025.

According the a statement by the Iraqi Presidency, Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed welcomed Dr. Jamileh Alamolhoda, widow of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with her accompanying delegation at Al-Salam Palace in Baghdad. The meeting was also attended by Ali Al-Shukri, Chairman of the Advisory and Experts Commission, and Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadeq, Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq.

The statement added that the First Lady extended her heartfelt condolences on the passing of President Raisi, honoring his legacy and expressing solidarity with the Iranian people. She emphasised the importance of strengthening Iraq-Iran relations, particularly in the fields of culture, education and knowledge exchange, as a means to foster mutual growth and understanding.

Underlining the role of technology and media in preserving cultural heritage and advancing education, Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed stated: “Modern technology is not only a tool for safeguarding our shared traditions but also a powerful instrument for enhancing education and fostering deeper cultural ties.” 

She stressed the need for both nations to leverage these resources effectively to improve learning and cross-cultural collaboration.

The First Lady also reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to the development of provinces that house sacred shrines, ensuring improved facilities and services for visiting pilgrims. 

“We are dedicated to enhancing these areas, providing all necessary support to visitors from neighboring and friendly nations so they can perform their religious rites with dignity and ease,” she said.

Another key topic of discussion was the empowerment of women in Iraq and Iran. Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed underscored the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for women, recognising their role in driving societal progress. She highlighted Iraq’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive environment where women can actively contribute to national development.

Dr. Jamileh Alamolhoda expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and echoed the call for closer collaboration between the two nations. She particularly emphasised the importance of academic exchanges in areas such as family and child welfare, advocating for greater cooperation between Iraqi and Iranian institutions to enhance social development.



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