Iran seizes Aleppo University, Russian delegation visits Damascus University
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – A delegation from the Moscow State University visited yesterday, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities in Syria’s capital Damascus in the framework of disseminating the Russian language in Syrian educational institutions.
The Russian delegation and tutors of the Russian language in Syrian schools participated in a dialogue workshop to discuss mechanisms of modern teaching approaches.
On December 14, the Aleppo University and the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research signed a memorandum of understanding for a joint cooperation for five years, renewable. The Iranian Consul and the dean of Aleppo University attended the workshop.
Media outlets close the Syrian government reported that the memorandum of understanding stipulated that the two universities will exchange scientific databases and research achievements, implement short-term training courses in Aleppo University by Iranian professors.
Also, they will exchange short-term visits of the teaching staff, the postgraduates students (Master and PHD) staff in order to do research, training and to be admitted in scholarships. Professors from the two universities will supervise them.
In this regard, North Press has released a report titled “Iran is penetrating Syria, now through Aleppo University”
Some monitors say the Syrian government is handing over the reins of education in Syria to Iran and Russia, thus mortgages the future of culture of Syria to a country which the records of civilization, education and freedom is in its lowest level.
Media outlets cited Elisabetta Khamraeva, professor at Moscow State University, as saying “the last workshop in Damascus focused on teaching Russian for foreigner students according to modern teaching approaches.”
“The turnout to learn the Russian language increases in Syria. No doubt, teaching Russian will have a good future in Syria,” she added.
The dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities stated to North Press that the visit of the Russian delegation is in the framework of developing the process of teaching Russian, disseminating Russian knowledge, and encouraging Syrian students to apply to the department of Russian Language in Syria and enroll in Russian universities in Russia.
In turn, Svetlana Rodina, head of the Russian Teaching Center in Damascus University said the workshop will have coordination between Moscow State University and the Russian government.
The workshop includes teachers of Russian language in Syrian schools who came from the governorates of Suwayda, Daraa, Homs and Latakia.
Nawras Kerbaj, coordinator of the Russian language said “our participation in the workshop is within the framework of cultural and educational cooperation between Syria and Russia.”
Russia and Iran contest to influence what have left in Syria after the war is grinding down. The two countries want to fully control joints of education and economy in the war-torn country of Syria, according to war monitors.
A research center explains that Russia instructed Israel to oust Iran and limit its military role in Syria.