The Minister of Higher Education discusses with the Charge d'Affaires of the Italian Embassy in Damascus the bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries in the scientific field.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, met on Wednesday with the Acting Ambassador of the Italian Embassy in Damascus, Stefano Raffanian, and the accompanying academic delegation from the University of Venice, to discuss bilateral cooperation in the scientific field and the development and activation of previous agreements. During the meeting, Minister Al-Halabi highlighted the renewed historical relations and common history between the two countries, making relations with Italy a priority for Syria, noting the embassy's efforts in the previous period. Minister Al-Halabi emphasized the need to form a preparatory committee from the embassy, ministry, and Higher Education Council to prepare a work program for the visit of the Italian Minister of Higher Education to Damascus and to assist in selecting the scholarships offered to the embassy. He also explained the possibility of cooperation in the field of humanities, improving the quality of education, modern technologies, digital development, scientific research, and investment in line with societal needs and university rankings, as well as exchanging experiences and scholarships. On his part, Raffanian emphasized the importance of bilateral and international cooperation between the two countries, the need to study and activate previous agreements, and establish new standards for the future, pointing out that the focus of Italian universities is on conducting research in Syrian cultural heritage and antiquities, especially post-revolution, in addition to developing agricultural capabilities and the energy sector. Members of the University of Venice delegation highlighted the historical relationship between Venice and Syria, the shared architectural civilization, mentioning that the university offers 17 specialties focusing on construction, reconstruction, city design, and historical mosaic industry, expressing their desire to establish cooperation between the two parties. The meeting was attended by the assistants of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Private Universities Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Swayd, for Research Affairs, Dr. Abdelhamid Al-Khaled, and Dr. Nimir Issa, Director of Cultural Relations at the Ministry.