Amman, Oct 13 (Petra) – Higher Council for Science and Technology Secretary-General Mashhour Al-Rifai and Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan Al-Halabi on Monday discussed prospects of joint cooperation to enhance scientific and research relations.
During the meeting, attended by Syrian Chargé d'Affaires in Amman Ihsan Al-Ruman, Al-Rifai noted the deep-rooted relations between Jordan and Syria, welcoming any cooperation or networking between the council and Syrian universities, research institutions, and entrepreneurs.
He stressed the need to launch initiatives to develop policies related to science, technology, and innovation, support scientific research, and connect Jordanian and Syrian researchers with projects that benefit both countries.
Al-Rifai also reviewed the role of the Higher Council as an umbrella for science and technology through its programs and events in the fields of water, energy, food, environment, and information technology.
He also addressed the council's project to identify research priorities for the next ten years, the importance of the Al-Hassan Learning Platform, the new strategy of the Scientific Research and Innovation Support Fund, and specialized peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Al-Rifai pledged that the council, with its affiliated centers and funds, would provide support and council to Syria in its new journey, and benefit from the outcomes of the project to identify research priorities for the next ten years.
For his part, Al-Halabi hailed the council's efforts and role at the local, regional, and international levels in linking academia and industry, and said he looked forward to building effective and strong partnerships in areas of common interest.
The Syrian minister highlighted his country's efforts to invest in research, and his ministry's aspiration to build a system modeled on the Jordanian Supreme Council in Syria.
He said the visit is the beginning of a long journey of cooperation and joint work in the research field and networking between academia and industry.
//Petra//SS
