Damascus, July 13 (SANA) Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Marwan al-Halabi, discussed with Chinese Ambassador to Syria Shi Hongwei on Monday means of expanding academic and scientific cooperation between the two countries and preparing a new, comprehensive memorandum of understanding covering education, research and innovation.
During a meeting in Damascus, al-Halabi said Syria is preparing to renew its cooperation framework with China, noting that previous agreements had been signed under different state policies and that a new memorandum would better reflect current priorities.
He said the proposed agreement would include increasing scholarships, expanding opportunities for teaching assistants, promoting faculty exchanges, and strengthening disciplines facing shortages in Syria, including health sciences and medical education.
It would also support cooperation in startups, digital entrepreneurship and innovation.
Al-Halabi highlighted prospects for collaboration in applied scientific research, advanced technologies, technical and vocational education, artificial intelligence, university laboratory development, linking higher education with labor market needs, quality assurance, accreditation and scientific publishing.
For his part, the Chinese Ambassador said bilateral relations have continued to develop, particularly as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to the principles of non-interference, respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Hongwei said political relations had advanced, particularly following the recent visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to China, which he described as opening a new chapter in bilateral ties.
He added that strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education would reinforce political, cultural, academic and popular relations, stressing that educational exchanges remain a key pillar of cooperation.
MZN
