BAGHDAD, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- "There is an Arabic proverb that says, 'Seek knowledge, even if you have to go as far as China.' I feel truly honored to have the opportunity to study in China," said Iraqi engineer Mahdi Salah with excitement.

On Friday, Mahdi and 14 other Iraqi students boarded a flight to China, marking the start of their study journey under the ZhenHua Oil Scholarship Program.

Launched in 2022, the program is jointly carried out by Chinese company ZhenHua Oil and Iraqi Oil Ministry, aiming to select young talents from Iraq's petroleum sector to pursue advanced studies in China each year. So far, a total of 54 Iraqi students have gone to China to pursue master's or doctoral degrees in fields such as petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, and geology.

In September, China's Southwest Petroleum University issued admission letters to the fourth batch of Iraqi students under the program.

Mahdi, a drilling engineer, recalled his excitement upon receiving the letter. "It was a remarkable day for my academic and professional life," he said, adding that "China has become a global leader in oil and gas development. Its universities provide excellent research and academic environments. I will work hard to improve my expertise and contribute to Iraq's energy development in the future."

Another student, Mustafa Ghazi, a petrochemical engineer, is equally eager about his upcoming academic journey to China.

"Iraq is rich in oil and gas resources. Studying in China will allow me to learn cutting-edge technologies and mature industrial practices in the petrochemical field," he said.

For Mustafa, his stay in China will not only be an academic pursuit but also a journey of cultural discovery.

"China and Iraq are both ancient civilizations," he added. "I will take this valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of Chinese culture while pursuing my studies."

In June, the first batch of Iraqi students sponsored by the ZhenHua Oil Scholarship Program graduated from Chinese universities and returned to their posts in Iraq.

Yin Licheng, general manager assistant of Chinese EBS Petroleum Company, said the graduates have become "backbone professionals in various departments and messengers of Chinese culture at the frontlines of China-Iraq cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative."

Among them, Ali Maher, a petroleum exploration and development engineer, shared his study experience and insights into Chinese culture in a lecture at the EBS Oilfield in Iraq, which drew great interest from his Iraqi colleagues.

"My study experience in China has benefited me for life," Ali said. "I'm proud that I can help more Iraqis learn about China."

Aya Emad, now an engineer at the EBS oilfield's digital and intelligent oilfield department, said that building a smart oilfield is the future of energy development.

"Although my current work is quite different from my major, I believe that with courage and a willingness to learn, progress will surely follow," she said.

The scholarship program has been highly recognized by the Iraqi side. Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani spoke highly of the ZhenHua Oil Scholarship Program, expressing hope to continue cooperation to cultivate more talents for the future of Iraq's energy industry.

Ma Cheng, general manager assistant of ZhenHua Oil, said the young Iraqis studying in China are growing into skilled engineers who understand, appreciate, and love China.

"Their growth represents a stronger and brighter future for China-Iraq energy cooperation," Ma said.