Embassy of the United States Baghdad, Iraq

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Fulbright Program in Iraq, Ambassador James Jeffrey hosted a reception on March 19, 2011 at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.  Fulbright alumni, Iraqi government officials and a senior delegation from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., led by Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Ann Stock attended to mark this milestone in the history of U.S.-Iraq educational exchange and cooperation, a key component of bilateral cooperation under the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.

In her remarks, Assistant Secretary Stock said the Fulbright program “represents the commitment of the American people to a relationship with Iraq that is rooted in mutual respect and interest” and honored the accomplishments of the many Fulbright alumni from both countries who have participated in the program over the past 60 years.

Ambassador Jeffrey affirmed that the people of Iraq will continue to have a committed and consistent partner in the United States.  He said, “We look forward to continuing our cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement as we prepare for additional Fulbright Scholar exchanges in 2011 and together pursue our shared goal of building a long-term, multidimensional relationship between our two nations that contributes to growing peace and prosperity in Iraq and security and stability in the Middle East.” 

Nearly 600 Iraqi and American students and scholars have been awarded Fulbright scholarships since 1951, including 302 since the re-establishment of the program in 2004. In 2011, 85 more Iraqi students and scholars will earn Fulbright grants for study in the U.S.  Last year, the Government of Iraq’s generous contribution allowed for a doubling of the Fulbright student program, validating the importance both the U.S. and Iraq place on international education.

The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 300,000 participants from over 155 countries with the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.  Iraq was one of the first countries to join with the U.S. in participating in these life-changing academic experiences.