CQ University hosted the Syrian Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, His Excellency Mr. Tammam Sulaiman, who addressed a forum on education as the main tool for peace in the Middle East.

The Ambassador introduced his presentation by informing his audience of some of Syria's historical connections with the West, particularly in the area of religion and faith. He pointed out that, in his country one's religion is not the most dominant social factor. Arabs, Muslims, Jews and Christians live amicably together in Syria, where Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, is still spoken and taught in small enclaves... 
His Excellency Tammam Sulaiman, Syrian Ambassador to Australia & New Zealand

A major problem, according to the Ambassador, is what he describes as "extensive misunderstanding" of what is happening in the region, principally occupation of the Syrian Golan, about which the worldwide public, and particularly Australians know little.  "We believe that education is very important [for this issue particularly] because it will assist establishment of real mutual acceptance amongst peoples of the region."

Ambassador Sulaiman indicated that the path to settlement of the dispute should be unitary for both sides under the current UN convention. "Syria, for its part accepts Israel's right to exist, but we also want Israel to accept the Arab right to exist and to return that land to its rightful owner."

On educational relations with Australian Universities, His Excellency said, "Currently we have relations with various Australian Universities, but we want CQ University to be included in the picture."  The Ambassador met with the University's Chancellor and Vice Chancellor and identified many potential collaborations, particularly in areas such as  water, aquaculture and agricultural research.

"Universities in (Syria) would greatly benefit from exchanges with CQUniversity at all levels. The Ambassador said an invitation would be extended for CQUniversity staff to visit Syria, and its centres of higher learning, to better appreciate his nation's approach to education.

"In Syria [education] is a portfolio the government is focussing very much on,"  Ambassador Sulaiman concluded.