A delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Education of the Syrian Arab Republic visited COMSATS University (CUI) in Islamabad on Monday.
The Syrian delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Education and Science Dr. Rami Waheed Al-Duli and Syrian Ambassador to Pakistan Ramez Alrai. Among the representatives of the Syrian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research are Dr. Manal Suleiman Sakr, Director of IT; Director of Scientific Research Mr. Saeed Khadra; Dr. Aqil Saeed Mahfud, Director of International Cooperation. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Government (IT) Director of Syria Najib Suhail Salak, as well as the Director of Education Mr. Ragib Ali Al-Jidi. Zulfikar Ali Samin, Deputy Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education and Training, and Zain Ul Abedin, Joint Scientific Adviser, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan were also present.
Rector CUI Dr. Sajid Qamar on behalf of COMSATS University welcomed the delegates and team members.
Dr. Hammad Omer, Head of the International Office of CUI, gave details about the achievements and accomplishments of COMSATS University. He reported that 11 Syrian students have been educated at CUI so far. Proposed joint opportunities include academic exchange programs, faculty development, cultural exchange, hybrid technology and ICT education, innovation and research collaboration.
The representative expressed great interest in exploring the possibilities of cooperation with COMSATS University in many fields of virtual learning, learning mechanisms, scientific skills and information and communication technology (ICT), students and teachers in technology-based education. to study and explore ways of bilateral scientific and cultural cooperation. Delegates also expressed interest in CUI’s support in improving the ranking of Syrian universities. The representatives announced the establishment of the Syria-COMSATS-COMSTECH Information Technology Center (SCCITC) in 2000 under the auspices of the presidents of the two countries. However, the project faced major challenges in the mathematics of the Syrian conflict and subsequent earthquakes. Delegates expressed interest in revitalizing SCCITC and improving its outlook.
Prof. Sajid Qamar said that the training will be conducted immediately after the official completion. CUI will offer graduate programs to promising students from Syria, he said.
Dr. Tahir Naeem, P&D/HRD; Prof. Sajjad A. Madani, accountant; Prof. Sakib Gulzar, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration; Professor in charge of Islamabad campus Dr. Sohail Asghar; Prof. Shamsul Qamar, Officer-in-Charge of ORIC; and Director General of International Office Ali Tawab Buluch also participated.
