DAMASCUS (SANA) Syria and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in higher education and research during a meeting in Damascus on Sunday.

Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Marwan al-Halabi said international organizations play a key role in linking Syrian universities with global institutions. He stressed the sectors need for academic and institutional support to overcome current challenges and maintain progress despite difficult circumstances.

Al-Halabi highlighted the ministrys focus on knowledge economy projects, renewable energy, and university incubators, saying these could provide new opportunities and enhance resources for the sector. He also noted that digital transformation is a top priority as a tool to improve governance and fight corruption in academic and administrative work.

For his part, ICESCO Director General Dr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik expressed the organizations readiness to provide academic and scientific support, including sponsorship for conferences and international seminars. He said ICESCO also offers scholarships, training programs and initiatives to attract scientists and researchers worldwide.

ICESCO, founded in 1982, is a specialized body of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Its headquarters is in Rabat, Morocco.

Amer Dhawa