The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Azmi Mahafzah, patronized the opening of the Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum on Higher Education Development. The forum commenced at the German Jordanian University and will run for two days as part of the “Innovation in the Syrian Academic Sector" (SyrIA) project. It brings together high-level ministerial and academic representatives from Jordan and Syria, alongside international partners.

The opening session was attended by the Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Marwan Al-Halabi, as well as the President of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Professor Khaled El-Salem. Also present were several presidents of Jordanian and Syrian universities, representatives of higher education institutions, and experts and specialists in the fields of higher education and scientific research.

El-Salem emphasized that the university's participation in the forum aligns with its vision to strengthen regional and international academic partnerships and to support initiatives that advance higher education while promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise among Arab institutions.

He highlighted the university's commitment to leveraging its academic and research capabilities to support efforts aimed at developing higher education systems in the region—enhancing quality, fostering innovation, and preparing qualified human capital capable of keeping pace with rapid global changes.

He further noted that the forum serves as a strategic dialogue platform, bringing together academic decision-makers to help shape shared visions for advancing higher education, expanding inter-university collaboration, and strengthening applied scientific research—ultimately contributing to sustainable development across the region.

The forum, hosted by the German Jordanian University, is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. It forms part of broader regional and international efforts to support and modernize the higher education system in the Syrian Arab Republic, while enhancing the academic sector's readiness to meet the demands of development and reconstruction.

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