Damascus,Jan. 14 (SANA) Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi met on Wednesday with Denmark’s Chargé d’Affaires to Syria, Kristoffer Vivike, to discuss renewing previous memoranda of cooperation between universities and broadening scientific and academic collaboration.
During the meeting, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, the two sides reviewed the status of the Danish Institute in Damascus and its role in protecting heritage and strengthening cultural relations between the two countries. The discussions addressed efforts to reopen the institute, which was closed in 2012.
The minister cited cooperation areas including the exchange of expertise, scholarships and joint scientific programs, collaboration on digital transformation, university hospitals, applied scientific research, the possibility of twinning Syrian universities with Danish counterparts, and creating a liaison committee, as well as benefiting from Danish architectural heritage.
For his part, Vivike said the meeting followed up on a previous meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers and aimed to strengthen bilateral relations. He said Denmark is among the largest donors to Syria and seeks to expand opportunities in this area, adding that Copenhagen looks to enhance cultural relations with Syria and broaden academic cooperation, including in the arts.
Vivike said Denmark is also seeking frameworks for work and investment and new horizons in light of the lifting of the Caesar Act.
Relations between Syria and Denmark entered a new phase of openness and enhanced cooperation following a visit by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to Damascus in late November last year, during which Rasmussen affirmed Denmark’s support for Syria’s recovery, state-building and efforts that contribute to national development.
