Senate President Faisal Fayez met with an academic delegation from the United Kingdom's University of Strathclyde on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in scientific research and innovation.

The purpose of the meeting was to explore how the British University can act as a bridge for partnerships between the British community (including those in government and the private sector) and various Jordanian government institutions and civil organizations.

The British delegation aims to discuss ways to collaborate on developing scientific research and innovation, offering specialized training courses for employees in both the Jordanian public and private sectors, and providing scholarships.

During the meeting, Fayez discussed the current state of affairs in the region and globally, including the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Coronavirus pandemic, and civil conflicts, which have had far-reaching consequences for many countries, including Jordan.

Jordan faces significant economic challenges due to these circumstances, particularly as the country hosts approximately 1.3 million Syrian refugees. Providing basic services to these refugees places tremendous strain on Jordan's infrastructure and service facilities, said Fayez.

He urged the international community to fulfill their obligations in supporting refugees in Jordan and enable the Kingdom to continue its humanitarian efforts.

Fayez emphasized the significance of higher education, scientific research, and innovation in tackling economic difficulties and called for assistance in Jordan's plans in this area.

James McDonald, the President of the University of Strathclyde, emphasized the significance of prioritizing higher education and ensuring its quality, highlighting the need for investing in scientific research and innovation to address current challenges, particularly in the economic sector.

McDonald underscored the pivotal role of education in tackling major issues and emphasized the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between policymakers and the economic field. He further stressed the need for promoting investment in the energy sector to achieve a balanced environment that benefits multiple sectors.