PESHAWAR, Feb 1: A memorandum of understanding between the University of Peshawar (UoP) and Cultural Centre of Iranian Consulate was signed here on Tuesday for starting a partnership in joint information service delivery to promote cultural experience and mutual understanding between the peoples of two countries.

This partnership would be materialised through the establishment of an affiliated functional unit within the UoP known as 'Utaq-i-Iran Shanasi' at it Central Library, said a press release issued here.

According to the MoU, Iran will purchase new print and electronic publications on subjects being taught in the University of Peshawar including history, politics, law, education, science and the teaching of Persian. The Hnanai Farhang would also arrange visits and training, both national and foreign, for various authorities associated with Iranian Chamber at UoP under the MoU, said the press release.

The MoU, which is to be effective for an initial period of five years, was signed by UoP Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Azmat Hayat Khan and Director General Cultural Centre, Consulate General Islamic Republic of Iran, Peshawar. While Acting Consulate General Iranian Consulate Hasheem Ashjazadeh, Director Planning and Development, UoP Prof Dr Shafiq-ur-Rehman, Registrar, UoP Dr Syed Fazli Hadi, Director QEC, Muhamamd Taimur and Librarian UoP, Muhamamd Ibrar was also present on the occasion.

Another initiative to go along with this is a proposal by the Iranian Consulate to establish a skill development centre at the UoP. The proposal was sent to the relevant government bodies for a further action so that work on the mega project could be initiated.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Azmat Hayat Khan while talking to the Iranian diplomat after the signing ceremony said that his institution would appreciate any step taken by the brotherly country to enhance cooperation in education sector.

He appreciated the establishment of a skill development centre at the UoP and said that it would help the unemployed youth in Pakistan to get technical education.

Acting Consul General Hasheem Ashjazadeh said that the reason behind the establishment of this multi-million dollar centre was that this university was the hub of education for the underprivileged and troubled people of northern Pakistan.

He said that his consulate and government would feel honoured to set up this centre where faculty from Iran could come and train people of Pakistan.