A delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research held a two-day visit to the German capital, Berlin, to discuss ways to strengthen academic and research cooperation between Syria and Germany, and to develop partnerships between universities and scientific institutions in both countries, contributing to supporting the higher education and scientific research sector in Syria.
Delegation Formation and Official Meetings
The delegation included Dr. Abdul Hamid Al-Khalid, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Student Affairs; Dr. Nabil Qoushji, Director General of the Supreme Council for Scientific Research; Dr. Hanan Abu Hatib, Director of the International Cooperation Office at the Ministry; and Mohammad Baraa Shukri, Chargé d'Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Berlin.
The visit included meetings with officials at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, members of the German Parliament, and representatives of the German Academic Exchange Service. It also featured a meeting at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with Peter Graesl, Director of the Higher Education Affairs Department.
Discussions on Challenges and Development
The discussions addressed the challenges facing Syrian universities, priorities for developing the higher education and scientific research system, and the possibility of expanding academic exchange programs between Syrian and German universities. Topics included supporting scholarships, updating curricula, training teaching and research staff, as well as opportunities to contribute to equipping scientific laboratories and enhancing joint research projects.
The delegation participated in the German-Syrian Dialogue on Higher Education, hosted by Humboldt University in Berlin and organized by the "New Beginning for Syria" platform in cooperation with academic and research institutions. The event included representatives from German government bodies, as well as Syrian researchers and academics residing in Germany.
Visions for Future Cooperation
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education indicated that discussions with German authorities focused on facilitating visits and academic exchanges in both directions, studying mechanisms to support scholarships for Syrian students, contributing to the development and equipping of scientific and research laboratories, updating curricula, training academic staff, and enhancing joint scientific research.
For his part, Dr. Samer Karam, a researcher and lecturer at the Technical University of Darmstadt, stated that the Syrian Scientific Council comprises more than 200 Syrian academics and experts, and seeks to link Syrian universities with international institutions, exchange expertise, and support the development of curricula, educational programs, and joint research projects.
Professor Dr. Ralf Ruschopf, Vice President for International Affairs at the German-Jordanian University, expressed the importance of higher education in supporting Syria's reconstruction paths and reforming its institutions. He noted that the university extends a hand of cooperation to the Syrian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Syrian universities.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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