Iran’s Assistant President Dr. Maytham Latifi, who is also Head of the Foundation for Public Administration and Employment Affairs, and members of the accompanying delegation visited ASPU. Accompanied by Dr. Salam Safaf, Minister of Administrative Development, Dr. Bassam Ibrahim, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Iranian ambassador in Damascus, Mahdi Sobhani, and the visiting delegation was welcomed by ASPU President Dr.  Sharif Al-Ashkar.

Dr. Safaf welcomed the remarkable guest at ASPU, stressing the importance of his visit in developing bilateral areas of cooperation, exchanging experiences and mutual benefit in the field of administrative development.

Dr. Ibrahim, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, welcomed the guests, stressing that Syria and Iran are brothers in one country, and they have extensive relations in all areas.

The minister noted that Syria has eight public universities where 700,000 students are enrolled, where almost 80% of the fees are free, and 30% of the fees are affordable. He also noted  that Syria incubates 23 private universities of  70,000 students, adding  these universities  have all scientific, medical, economic, management sciences and postgraduate studies in all disciplines, and  40,000 master's and doctoral students.

Dr.  Latifi, the Iranian president's assistant, expressed thanks for the warm welcome he and his companions have received during the visit. He expressed happiness to meet university colleagues whom he is proud of, noting that he had heard little about ASPU, and that Iran has private universities such as the Free Islamic Azad University and the prestigious Imam Sadik University, which is similar to the prestigious Damascus University in the Middle East.

“These historical backgrounds are viewed as an opportunity to enhance the process of scientific production furthermore, “the Iranian official said, hinting that there are certain problems facing private university education, and “we can take advantage of the special capabilities of linking between the administrative and governmental body of universities to solve their problems”.

Dr. Al-Ashkar, welcomed the guests, stressing that these meetings increase the importance of private universities and give them their primary role in education which benefits all sides concerned.

Dr. Rania Al-Zarir, Vice President of the University, gave a comprehensive presentation about the university teaching and academic reality since its establishment. She spoke in details about the university educational faculties and the agreements signed, especially with the brotherly country of Iran.

Then the guest delegation toured the university medical faculties, its laboratories and educational centers and met with its students. They expressed admiration over what they have seen of great achievements and notable success.

ASPU President presented the guest with the university commemorative shield, hoping that more bilateral visits will be exchanged for mutual benefits.