DU to Host Conversation with Iran's Foreign Minister via Live Web Conference

The University of Denver's Center for Middle East Studies at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies is pleased to announce an event of historic magnitude—a conversation (via a live web conference) with Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

• The conversation will take place Tuesday, February 18, at 12 p.m. in the Anderson Academic Commons on the DU campus and will be moderated by Ambassador Christopher Hill, dean of the Josef Korbel School. 
• Streaming live video of the conversation will also be available online at https://www.du.edu/live-video/.
• Media interested in attending should RSVP to Theresa Ahrens at 303.871.4778 or Theresa.Ahrens@du.edu for parking information.

This conversation with Dr. Zarif will take place following the first day of the Vienna P5+1 negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Here, the University of Denver community will have the unique opportunity to hear first-hand from a key player in these negotiations.  Dean Hill and Minister Zarif will also discuss the current contours of US-Iranian relations and Hill will ask Minister Zarif questions collected from students, faculty of other members of the audience in advance of the event.

"The Center for Middle East Studies is thrilled to be facilitating this momentous dialogue with Minister Zarif, particularly at such a critical juncture in US-Iran relations," said Nader Hashemi, Associate Professor of Middle East and Islamic Politics at the Korbel School and Director of the Center for Middle East Studies. "This event will deepen the special relationship Minister Zarif has with the Korbel School, and it places Denver at the center of a truly historic process in international relations."

"The Josef Korbel School is honored to host such a historically significant event with one of our most noteworthy alumni," added Dean Hill. "We are committed to bringing the world to Denver and to providing our students with opportunities to learn from today's global leaders."

Prior to assuming his post in August 2013, Minister Zarif served as Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations (2002-2007) and Iran's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (1992-2002). In addition to his distinguished diplomatic career, Minister Zarif is a proud University of Denver alumnus, earning both his M.A. and Ph.D. in International Studies from DU's Graduate School of International Studies (now the Josef Korbel School) in 1984 and 1988, respectively.

Interview opportunities are available with moderator Christopher R. Hill and Associate Professor Nader Hashemi, director of the Center for Middle East Studies.  Media interested in attending should RSVP to Theresa Ahrens at 303.871.4778 or Theresa.Ahrens@du.edu for parking information.