Syria, Germany discuss expanding vocational education cooperation
Syria and Germany have discussed expanding cooperation in vocational education, with both sides looking at ways to make training programs better match the needs of the labor market. The talks were held in Damascus on August 17.
Syrian Education Minister Mohammad Abdulrahman Turko met Marcus Hicken, the German Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus, at the Education Ministry. Their discussions focused mainly on strengthening cooperation in vocational training and education.
The two sides discussed exchanging expertise and developing vocational education programs that can improve students’ learning outcomes. A key goal is to equip young people with practical skills that correspond to changing demands in the labor market.
Syria is seeking to develop its education system while preparing a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s changing economic and development needs. Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in vocational education as part of these efforts.
The meeting also comes after earlier discussions held on May 23 between Turko and Mohammad Baraa Shukri, the Syrian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Berlin. Those talks included the educational needs of the Syrian community in Germany as well as further cooperation in vocational education.
The latest meeting indicates that vocational training could become an important area of Germany-Syria educational cooperation. By sharing expertise and developing programs linked to real labor-market needs, both countries hope to improve training opportunities and help prepare workers for future economic challenges.