ASPU president Dr.  Sharif Al-Ashkar, has met an Iranian delegation headed by Iranian deputy minister of education, Dr. Hashem Dadashpoor.

The delegation included presidents of Isfahan and Ferdowsi universities, clergy al-Tabtabaei, directors of studies, student affairs and international cooperation in the Ministry of Higher Education, head of the student department in the ministry of foreign affairs, the university deputy President for administrative and student affairs, and deans of faculties.

In a welcoming speech, Dr. al- Ashkar described the relation between the two countries is of a common blood and destiny, wishing to strengthen relations between Syrian and Iranian universities in the scientific field and activate the agreements signed between the two sides for mutual interests.

ASPU vice president for administrative affairs Dr. Rania Zurair gave a detailed overview of the university, its establishment, students, departments, alumni, and scholarships.

Dr. Hashem Dadashpoor, spoke about Iranian universities and the desire to develop relations between Iranian and Syrian universities, especially ASPU in all scientific fields, and Iran side readiness to receive students and professors and provide them with support to pursue their higher studies.

heads of Iranian universities spoke about readiness to provide everything necessary to activate the agreements for joint benefit, inviting ASPU president to visit Iran.

Dr. al-Ashkar added that  terrorism was practiced  against ASPU  and wreaked havoc and destruction on it, noting :"  we, ASPU and o the Arab Socialist Baath Party, assume a greater social responsibility than any other private university, and what we have given  during the earthquake disaster was remarkable in all humanitarian, health and social fields for those affected, especially the  opening of the university’s headquarters in Lattakia as a shelter, and was the  only one among  the country's private universities.

He stressed the need to strengthen and activate the signed agreements and continue visits between the two sides, especially Iranian professors who are academically superior to their peers in the region, and the importance of their participation in seminars, scientific days and conferences.

Also stressed was the desire to enhance cooperation with Iranian universities in all areas and to exchange students and professors and joint research and postgraduate studies.Dr. al-Ashkar expressed hope that this visit would be the first of several visits to come as means to strengthening bilateral ties, especially scientific ones.