Azerbaijan, Baku, May 13 / Trend T.Jafarov /
Trend interviewed Iranian Islamic Azad University Rector and Islamic Universities Federation Executive Board head Abdullah Jasbi.
Trend: At what level are the relations between Azerbaijani and Iranian universities? How do you see prospects for cooperation between the universities of the two countries?
Jasbi: The current level of cooperation is satisfactory, but relations should continue. We hope the universities of both countries will take steps in this direction and develop cooperation.
Q: Iranian officials claim that some Azerbaijani universities issue invalid diplomas. What do you think about this statement?
A: Iran has recognized the diplomas of all Azerbaijani higher educational institutions, excluding the certificates of Azerbaijan Medical University. The Iranian Health Ministry has some problems with this university, but I hope they will be resolved soon.
Q: You have proposed establishing a "virtual university" in Islamic countries. Will these kinds of universities be established in the near future?
A: An initiative to create "virtual universities" was proposed at an Islamic Universities Federation conference and the other countries hailed the move. The Islamic Azad University has supported the idea three years. The rector of the "virtual university" has not yet been elected. The Islamic Universities Federation's second meeting to be held in Saudi Arabia this year is expected to elect a rector.
Q: The Iranian press re-discussed donations to the vaqf (for religious and charitable purposes) from the Islamic Azad University. What can you say about this?
A: We have donated the university's property for the clergy's needs. That's all I can say about this.
Q: Several Iranian MPs accused the university of corruption and want an investigation. What are your thoughts in this regard?
A: The distributors of these rumors have no evidence of corruption in our university.
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