Syrian-Austrian talks to enhance joint educational cooperation

On May 11th, Dr. Muhammad Osama Al-Jabban, Rector of Damascus University, discussed with the Chargé d’Affairs of the Austrian Embassy in Damascus, Professor Peter Kreuz,cooperation between Damascus University and Austrian universities, in particular cooperation with the German Language Department at the university.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the possibility of the Austrian side providing assistance to the German Language Department at Damascus University through training the teaching staff in the department and providing it with books and cultural publications.

The two sides agreed to organize scientific visits for Austrian lecturers, focusing on Austrian literature, and set an initial date for the establishment of a Syrian-German cultural week at the university in cooperation with the Austrian side.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Jabban gave a brief overview of Damascus University with its faculties, scientific specializations, academic programs and number of students.

Dr. Al-Jabban stressed the university’s endeavor to develop its programs and curricula and open new specializations that keep pace with the developments of modern science.

The head of the German Language Department at Damascus University, Dr. Jihad Abboud, also pointed to the need to support the department by the Austrian side through cultural exchange, contribution to giving lectures, or granting opportunities for outstanding students to complete their studies in Austrian universities.

For his part, Kreuz expressed the Austrian embassy’s readiness to support the department’s needs by presenting a library with German-language books as a gift to the department and inviting professors to visit an Austrian university as a kind of exchange of experiences between the two sides.

O. al-Mohammad