Syrian Minister Marwan al‑Halabi visits Turkey to boost university ties

Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al‑Halabi made an official visit to Turkey on 6 August 2026. In Ankara he met with the rector of the Turkish Aviation University, thanked Turkey for its support to Syrian students, and discussed cooperation on academic programmes, infrastructure, and the newly created Syrian university of defence sciences. The talks aimed to use the Turkish university’s technical facilities to help rebuild Syria’s higher‑education sector after the post‑December 2024 reconstruction phase.

Al‑Halabi also met officials at Hacettepe University, stressing the need for partnerships that improve quality, accreditation and research capacity in Syrian universities. He announced the signing of a framework cooperation agreement with the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK), which will facilitate staff and student exchanges and joint scientific projects between Syrian and Turkish institutions.