On August 26, 2026, Chinese Consulate General in Erbil hosted a pre-departure reception for students from Kurdistan Region of Iraq who will soon go to China to pursue their master or PhD degrees. About 30 participants including representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government and scholarship recipients attended the event. Local mainstream media such as Rudaw and Kurdistan 24 provided on-site coverage.

In his remarks, Consul General Liu Jun encouraged the students to study hard in China, develop strong skills and abilities, and return home after graduation to contribute to the development of their hometown. He also encouraged them to learn more about China with an open mind, understand the history of the Communist Party of China, gain a deeper understanding of Chinese modernization, and appreciate the beauty of Chinese culture. He hoped the students would share what they see and learn in China with people in the KRI, help local people get to know a real, multidimensional and charming China, and contribute to building mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of two sides.

The students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to study in China, saying that they would seize the opportunity to enhance their professional skills, learn about China’s wisdom of governance and development, draw on China’s experience, and serve as ambassadors of friendship between China and the KRI .