Syria and Algeria Discuss Academic Partnership and Scholarship Exchange
Syria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Marwan Al-Halabi, held a meeting in Damascus on Sunday with the Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Syria, Abdelkader Khasmi El-Hassani, to explore avenues for strengthening scientific and academic cooperation between the two nations.
The discussion focused on mechanisms for exchanging scholarships and advancing academic and research partnerships. During the meeting, the Algerian Ambassador presented an official memorandum offering 40 scholarships for Syrian students to pursue studies at Algerian universities. These scholarships include 10 spots dedicated to medical specialties and 30 spots across various other scientific and academic disciplines, with the Ambassador affirming that Algerian universities look forward to welcoming Syrian students.
Minister Al-Halabi stated that the Ministry is currently drafting a comprehensive framework cooperation agreement. This initiative aims to open broader horizons for scientific and research collaboration, including the implementation of joint research programs and the exchange of academic expertise. The Minister noted that these efforts are part of a wider strategy to enhance the quality of education and university services in both countries.
Emphasizing the depth of Syrian-Algerian relations, Minister Al-Halabi described scientific cooperation as a vital bridge that strengthens ties between the two brotherly peoples. He expressed his appreciation for Algeria’s initiative in providing these scholarships, describing them as direct support for Syrian students under the current circumstances.
For his part, the Algerian Ambassador highlighted the growth and development of bilateral relations. He recalled the visit of the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Assad Hassan Al-Shaibani, to Algeria last June, which provided significant momentum to their shared relations. The Ambassador underscored that the current scientific cooperation is an extension of the deep historical ties between the two states, expressing his country’s readiness to expand this partnership in the future.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Syrian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, including the Assistant Ministers for Student Affairs, Abdul Hamid Al-Khalid; Scientific and Research Affairs, Ghaith Warquzaq; Private Education Affairs, Mohammed Al-Suwaid; and Administrative and Financial Affairs, Abeer Qudsi. Also in attendance were the directors of cultural relations and international cooperation from the Ministry, as well as representatives from the Arab Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
This diplomatic and academic development follows a series of high-level meetings, including the visit of Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Al-Shaibani to Algeria and his meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during which both parties agreed to bolster all forms of bilateral cooperation.
