London, May 21 (SANA) Syrian and British officials held talks on Thursday on expanding academic cooperation and strengthening partnerships between universities in the two countries during meetings at the British Foreign Office in London.
Syrian Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Marwan al-Halabi discussed with the British officials cooperation in university development, scientific research, governance and post-conflict education.
Al-Halabi said Syria was seeking to rebuild links between Syrian universities and the international academic community through long-term institutional partnerships and research cooperation.
He identified several potential areas for joint academic work, including genetic research, the social and environmental consequences of war, chemical warfare impacts, civil peacebuilding, countering sectarian rhetoric and addressing the migration of skilled professionals.
He also proposed establishing a joint roadmap for cooperation and a permanent communication mechanism between Syrian and British institutions, including discussions on the possibility of opening a British university in Syria.
David Hunt, political director for Syria, Yemen and Iraq at the British Foreign Office, said the talks aimed to move toward practical cooperation through partnerships between Syrian and British universities.
He said Britain remained interested in supporting higher education programs and academic exchange initiatives linked to Syria’s long-term stability and recovery.
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