Indian Embassy in Damascus celebrates the anniversary of the launch of The ITEC program

Yesterday evening, the Indian Embassy celebrated the anniversary of the launch of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program “ITEC” at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.

The Indian ambassador in Damascus Ershad Ahmed pointed out in a speech that the ITEC program contributes to encouraging the relations between the Syrian and Indian people and the cultural exchange between the two countries. It also reflects the ancient Indian philosophy which emphasizes acquiring and sharing knowledge at the same time.

The Indian ambassador pointed out that 90 training scholarships had been allocated to Syria during the years 2023-2024, calling on the training departments and officials in various ministries and government institutions to fully exploit the training courses offered by the program and to partner with India for growth and development. He expressed his confidence that the training programs will increase in importance and benefit for participants in the future and will help strengthen bilateral relations.

Director of the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Imad Mustafa, noted the priniciples that have linked India and Syria for many decades, expressing Syria’s appreciation for India’s supportive position during the war years.

Dr. Mustafa pointed out that dozens of Syrian personalities with specializations benefited from the “ITEC” program and returned to Syria and contributed to the development of their country.

A number of beneficiaries of the program provided interventions about the interest and experiences they gained, each in his field.

Dean of the Higher Institute of Regional Planning, Dr. Ghada Bilal, pointed out that the program supported her scientifically as a university professor and as dean of the institute, through which she was able to publish four scientific articles in periodical magazines, transmit them to her students, and support them on the subject of publishing and climate change.

The Director of Technical Development at the Ministry of Communications and Technology, Dr. Anas Zahabia, explained that he learned “quantum computing” in India, which is a very modern science that will come after the artificial intelligence revolution.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Bassam Ibrahim, and Engineer Iyad Al-Khatib, and the member of the central leadership of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, Engineer Hoda Al-Homsi, the head of the Planning and International Cooperation Authority, Dr. Fadi Salti Al-Khalil, the Secretary of the Damascus branch of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, Hussam Al-Samman, and a number of department directors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and the beneficiary trainees.

Souha Suleiman