The Minister of Higher Education discusses with the charge d'affaires of the German Embassy in Damascus enhancing mutual cooperation in the scientific and academic field.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, discussed enhancing mutual cooperation in the scientific and academic fields and exchanging expertise with the Charge d'Affaires of the German Embassy in Damascus, Ms. Ann Sophie Beckdorf, during their meeting on Wednesday. Minister Al-Halabi emphasized the importance of scientific relations between Syria and Germany, citing the presence of thousands of Syrian doctors in Germany as an example of shared excellence and human competence. He expressed hope for establishing bilateral academic programs to facilitate scientific exchange and enhance the quality of higher education in both countries. Minister Al-Halabi stressed the priority of developing continuous and vocational education, introducing new skills in curricula to meet labor market needs, alongside investing in scientific research and linking it to societal development. The Ministry is preparing an integrated framework to address challenges and obstacles facing the higher education sector, investigating their causes and devising sustainable solutions, with a focus on academic brain drain and the deterioration of educational infrastructure due to the war. Beckdorf affirmed her country's commitment to supporting scientific and research cooperation between Syrian and German universities, highlighting the importance of facilitating the return of Syrian academics willing to come back to their homeland, rebuilding trust among students within universities, especially after recent incidents in some university cities. She commended the Syrian government's efforts to address the situation and create a conducive environment for student stability.