15 November 2021 - The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Brunei Darussalam donated a collection of books to Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), as part of its effort to further strengthen the educational exchanges between Iran and Brunei. Professor Maryam Mirzakhani Shelf was launched at the UTB Library at a virtual ceremony hosted by UTB.
The hand-over of the books was witnessed by the Guest of Honour, His Excellency Dr. Saeed Khatib Zadeh, Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Her Excellency Madam Homeira Rigi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Brunei Darussalam virtually handed the collection of books to Yang Mulia Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor of UTB.
Also attending the event were the Ambassadors of Foreign Missions, UTB Principal Officers, and staff from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and UTB.
The virtual ceremony began with a welcoming remark from the UTB Vice-Chancellor followed by remarks from the Guest of Honour and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Guest of Honour, during his speech, while emphasizing the good relations between the two countries in various fields, he announced the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to start scientific and academic cooperation with Brunei Darussalam. "The beautiful country of Brunei Darussalam, due to the ruler and good people, has always been mentioned as a good country in Persian historical books,” said His Excellency.
Her Excellency Madam Homeira Rigi, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to Brunei Darussalam also in her speech while emphasising the importance of books and reading in the culture of both countries, added that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, while inviting youth and people of the country to read, always emphasized this rich culture.
The Ambassador, while praising the Vice-Chancellor of UTB for her cooperation in holding this event, considered the educational and academic cooperation as a factor in the scientific growth of both countries’ universities.
The Ambassador said the opening of Professor Maryam Mirzakhani shelf coincides with the beginning of the book week in the Islamic Republic of Iran. “This valuable event is a step towards promoting scientific and academic cooperation between the two countries. Academic cooperation contributes to the scientific development of the countries, and I am proud to announce that valuable steps have been taken in this regard, which will achieve good operational results with the efforts of the officials of the two countries,” she added.
Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah expressed her appreciation for the generous donation and said that these books are valuable additions to UTB students and staff. “I believe that the Professor Maryam Mirzakhani Shelf can contribute in our effort to develop our students into global citizens who appreciate cultures, viewpoints and are sensitive to issues affecting the global community,” added UTB Vice-Chancellor.
The event then continued with the launching of Professor Maryam Mirzakhani Shelf through a video presentation.
Professor Maryam Mirzakhani Shelf contains over 30 publications that highlight the contributions made by prominent scholars on several branches of knowledge, especially in the fields of science and architecture. The shelf also covers diverse topics on Iran history, language, literature, arts, and heritage.
Professor Maryam Mirzakhani, after whom the publication corner was named, is known as an Iranian mathematician who became the first woman and the first Iranian to be awarded a Fields Medal, the most prestigious honour in mathematics.
The Embassy's book donation is hoped to act as distinctive additions to the library's growing Foreign Mission collection as well as foster the love for reading amongst the UTB community while strengthening bilateral ties between both countries.
