Syrian and Azerbaijani education ministers held high-level talks on the sidelines of the World Education Forum 2026 in London aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in higher education and pedagogy.
Syrian Minister of Education Muhammad Turko and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi met with Azerbaijani Education Minister Emin Amrullayev and his delegation to discuss several areas of cooperation.
The talks focused on scholarship programs, accreditation and quality assurance, and school rehabilitation projects in coordination with Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The two sides also discussed implementation mechanisms and financing, alongside a proposal to establish a joint Syrian-Azerbaijani university.
Officials explored opportunities expanding cooperation in research incubators, entrepreneurship, innovation, scientific research institutions, and health sciences. Syrian officials also expressed interest in benefiting from Azerbaijan’s experience in raising enrollment rates in technical and vocational education.
Plans for School Rehabilitation
Turko said the tripartite cooperation between Syria, Azerbaijan, and ICESCO represents a successful model for educational collaboration. He confirmed ongoing discussions to rehabilitate 100 schools, including several in the city of Aleppo. Halabi emphasized the strength of bilateral relations between the two sides and the importance of expanding cooperation in higher education.
He said Syria seeks to build a strategic partnership focused on joint studies, accreditation programs, and aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands. Halabi also revealed that Damascus previously hosted discussions to prepare an agreement and memorandum of understanding with the Azerbaijani side.
The proposed framework covers student and academic exchanges, accreditation, digital transformation, curriculum development, and the use of Azerbaijani expertise and companies to support educational modernization efforts. He added that both sides aim to strengthen applied scientific research through future cooperation initiatives.
Scholarships and Academic Exchange
Amrullayev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to cooperate with the Syrian Ministry of Higher Education in several fields, particularly scholarships and the approval of previously submitted proposals. He announced the allocation of 20 scholarships for Syrian students and said applications for the grants will open next January.
The discussions produced several concrete proposals that extend beyond diplomatic exchanges. Plans to rehabilitate 100 schools through ICESCO, establish a joint university, and provide scholarships for Syrian students reflect growing educational ties between the two countries.
Syrian officials also view Azerbaijan’s experience in technical and vocational education as a potential model for improving workforce preparedness and addressing labor market needs. If implemented, the initiatives could contribute to broader efforts to modernize Syria’s education sector during the country’s recovery period.
