Damascus, Feb. 17 (SANA) — Syria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi held talks on Tuesday with the head of the Syrian‑European Economic Council, Abdul Hakim Issa, on potential cooperation to support the higher education sector and expand technical education in Syria.
According to the ministry, discussions focused on leveraging the council’s European partnerships and expertise to address infrastructure damage and pressing needs at universities, including the rehabilitation of student housing and academic buildings in several provinces.
Al-Halabi stressed the ministry’s priority to strengthen technical and vocational education as part of its broader reform agenda, proposing the formation of a joint coordination committee to identify areas of cooperation and prepare a framework agreement for future collaboration.
Issa said the council’s support would focus on technical and professional education, including assistance for laboratories, the establishment of technical institutes, and the provision of alternative energy solutions for university facilities. He expressed readiness to formalize cooperation through an agreement to facilitate support.
The Syrian-European Economic Council is a European-registered organization that resumed its activities in Syria after years of suspension during the defunct regime period, and brings together members based in Europe, the United States and the Gulf region, and receives support for its projects from European states as well as other countries such as South Korea and Japan.
