By XU Qingqun & LONG Yun

Dr. Hassan Risheh. (PHOTO: International Talent Magazine)

Compared with his first visit to China in 2001, Dr. Hassan Risheh, a former minister of higher education of Syria, said on his visit in 2023 that, "The transformation in China is truly remarkable." Risheh has been committed to international cooperation for decades, focusing mainly on higher education. He said Syrian people aspire to learn from China's successes in this field.

A Syrian education reformer

During his position as the minister of higher education in Syria from 2000 to 2003, Risheh dedicated himself to educational and technological development. He designed and drafted a new strategy aimed at connecting higher education with all sectors of the Syrian economy.

The new strategy was to establish private universities in Syria, promote innovative educational methods such as digital learning and open universities, and establish numerous higher education institutions like the College of Business Administration and the College of Public Management. As part of the upgrade plan for the Syrian higher education system, he forged new academic connections with institutions worldwide.

In addition, Risheh has long been involved in some cooperation projects between Syria and multiple countries, having substantial international influence and academic reputation in fields such as information technology, higher education, public management, and international relations.

Establishing bridge between Syria and China

On September 15, 2023, Risheh was welcomed by Fan Jiuli, the president of Northwest University of Political Science and Law in China. During the meeting, Risheh expressed his intention to assist in establishing a comprehensive bridge between the University of Damascus and Northwest University of Political Science and Law. During his visit, Risheh toured smart classrooms and delivered a lecture on promoting people-to-people exchanges around the world.

On his 12-day visit to China, Risheh and his Chinese counterparts facilitated the strategic cooperation agreement between the two universities.

"The Syrian people have always regarded the Chinese people as brothers, holding great respect for China and aspiring to learn from its successful experiences," he said.

During his first visit in 2001, he witnessed China's economic success through visits to economic zones, observing the digitization of many ports. Inspired by the Chinese spirit of innovation and reform, he suggested establishing similar economic zones in Syria. He was keen to draw inspiration from China's advanced social development experience, fostering mutual understanding and trust between the people of China and Syria.

Enhancing international cooperation

Historically, the spirit of the Silk Road, characterized by peace, cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefits has been passed down, pushing human civilization forward and fostering prosperity among countries along the route.

According to Risheh, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will enhance cooperation between Syria and China in various fields, such as infrastructure, advancing collaboration not only between the two countries, but also with neighboring countries.

Risheh, who has witnessed the longstanding cooperation between China and Syria, believes this collaboration has also driven in-depth cooperation in many fields, especially in the educational sector.

For example, an online Arabic language education platform has been established for Chinese residents in Syria. Risheh hopes to extend this model to Chinese language education, creating a platform for people in the Arab world to learn Chinese.

He values the importance of language as the key to breaking down barriers, facilitating cultural exchange, and truly achieving a "common understanding of the people." Fluent in Arabic, English, French and Russian, Risheh also knows he needs to learn Chinese to further excel in his area of work. He firmly believes that online education in Arabic and Chinese should be integral to construction of the BRI.

Article written in cooperation with International Talent Magazine.