His Excellency Mr. Radwan Loutfi, Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic to Pakistan, paid a visit to the COMSATS Secretariat on Monday, 3rd April 2017, to congratulate Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi on his appointment as Executive Director COMSATS.

The Ambassador congratulated Dr. Zaidi on assuming charge as the new incumbent and expressed confidence in hi leadership that would help COMSATS in achieving its goals. He committed that Syria being a Member State of COMSATS will render all possible support to COMSATS. His Excellency apprised the Executive Director about the prevailing situation of his country with a hope for better future. With regard to the education sector of Syria, Mr. Loutfi informed that all the educational institutions are functional and the country is doing well in higher education given its prevalent situation. The Ambassador showed keen interest in securing for Syrian students some scholarships being offered by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT).

Dr. Zaidi welcomed the idea and noted COMSATS’ readiness to accommodate Syrian students in undergraduate and post-graduate studies at CIIT. He further explained that students from Syria can apply anytime throughout the year, and CIIT will process their applications at the time of admission. He stressed upon the need for more intellectual exchange among Syria, Pakistan and other COMSATS’ member countries. He further explained that researchers, scholars and scientists should travel from Syria for exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Earlier, the Ambassador was received and welcomed by Mr. Tajammul Hussain (Advisor Programs). Mr. Hussain briefed him about the upcoming 20th Meeting of the COMSATS Coordinating Council to be held in Cairo, Egypt, on 14th and 15th May 2017. His Excellency also met the foreign students from Nigeria and Gambia who are currently engaged in assignments at COMSATS Secretariat related to their respective countries. The foreign students gave encouraging inputs to the Ambassador with regard to sending Syrian students to study at CIIT.

Dr. Zaidi expressed his pleasure at having the Syrian Ambassador at COMSATS Secretariat and thanked him for his support to COMSATS. He also mentioned that he would like to visit the Ambassador for a detailed discussion to explore possible areas of interaction and collaboration with Syria.