Minister of Higher Education Malek Mohammad Ali said relations with Russian universities reflect a strategic relationship between Syria and Russia, highlighting the need to develop scientific and cultural cooperation with all friendly countries.

During his meeting with a Russian delegation of students and youths on Wednesday, the Minister hailed the integration of scientific cooperation with Russia, calling for expanding the prospects of this cooperation in quality and quantity.

He underscored how Russia has opened its doors to the Syrian students and doubled the numbers of admitted students at the time when many other countries have prevented the Syrian youths from continuing their studies driven by hostile political stances against the Syrian people.

Ali stressed during the meeting the Syrian people\'s solidarity with the Russian people and support for their national choices that go in line with consolidating stability and peace in the world.

For his part, Relations Director at Synergy University expressed readiness to open a new branch of the Russian university, which includes the specializations of designing, economy, industry and financing, in Syria.

He granted three five-year scholarships for study and training at the University, leaving the option of picking the specializations to the Ministry of Higher Education.

The Russian delegation\'s visit included drawing a painting on one of the walls of the Education Faculty of the University of Damascus carrying a symbol that embodies the Syrian-Russian friendship.

The delegation met Tuesday with Rector of Damascus University Dr. Mohammad Amer al-Mardini and said their visit seeks to push against the fear that international terrorism is trying to instill in Syrian, in addition to bolstering cooperation between the universities in Damascus and Moscow.