Wael Nader al-Halqi


Wael Nader Al-Halqi is a Syrian politician who was Prime Minister of Syria from 2012 to 2016. Previously he was Minister of Health from 2011 to 2012. He was appointed as Prime Minister on 9 August 2012.

Early life and education

Halqi was born in Jasim in the Daraa Governorate in 1964 into a Sunni Muslim family. He earned a degree in medicine from the University of Damascus in 1987 and a master's degree in gynaecology and obstetrics again from the University of Damascus in 1991.

Career

Halqi served as director of primary health care in Jasim from 1997 to 2000 and was secretary of the Daraa branch of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party from 2000 to 2004. He served as the director of health in Daraa, and in 2010, was appointed head of Syria's doctors. He was appointed as Prime Minister of Syria on 9 August 2012 by President Bashar Assad, after his predecessor Riyad Farid Hijab fled to Jordan and declared his allegiance to the Syrian opposition. During his primeministery period Dr Wael al Halqi took many efforts in fighting terrorism. He is titled as a Chief of Government of Fighting Terrorism in Syria.
He works in Qasyoun Private University as a professor and The Chief of Board of Trustees of this university now.

Assassination attempt

In April 2013, Halqi survived an apparent assassination attempt by car bombing in the Mezzeh district of Damascus. The assassination attempt killed six people.

Personal life

Dr al Halqi is married and has four children, one daughter and three sons.