The Syrian Minister of Higher Education and the Acting Hungarian Ambassador Discuss Strengthening Academic Partnership

The Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, discussed with the Acting Hungarian Ambassador in Damascus, Istvan Gyula Shush, mechanisms to strengthen the ties of bilateral cooperation in the fields of higher education and scientific research during a meeting held at the ministry's headquarters.

Dr. Al-Halabi emphasized during the discussions Syria's keenness to launch a new phase of constructive cooperation with Hungary, focusing on several key areas, including "the exchange of scholarships, medical cooperation through educational hospitals, in addition to launching joint research programs between universities that achieve scientific outcomes benefiting both parties."

The minister also pointed to the challenges faced by the sector, indicating "the importance of attracting scientific talents and building capacities, after the higher education sector suffered from academic isolation and the decline of infrastructure in educational institutions, including equipment and laboratories, and the necessity of linking scientific research to the needs of society."

For his part, Shush expressed his country's welcome to enhancing academic cooperation with Syria, stating "his country's readiness to expand academic cooperation with Syria, emphasizing the importance of reviving the historical relations between the two countries in a way that serves their common interests."

He noted the presence of a distinguished Syrian student community in Hungary, saying: "pointing to the existence of about 500 Syrian students in Hungarian universities who are distinguished by their high scientific capabilities."

The meetings culminated in an agreement to prepare a comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two countries, covering scientific, medical, and educational fields, with the aim of enhancing the strategic partnership between academic and research institutions in both countries.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Minister of Higher Education for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Abir Qudsi, and the Director of Cultural Relations at the ministry, Dr. Nemeer Issa.

This meeting comes within the framework of joint efforts to develop bilateral relations and open new horizons for cooperation between Syrian and Hungarian universities, which serves to develop academic capacities and contributes to supporting the path of higher education and scientific research.