Al-Mikdad to a Malaysian delegation: Syria highly appreciates Malaysia’s support

Dr. Faisal Al-Mikdad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, expressed Syria’s high appreciation for Malaysia’s support in the current difficult times.

Al-Mikdad, during his meeting today with a Malaysian delegation headed by Norman bin Muhammad, First Secretary-General and Assistant Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed Syria’s high appreciation for Malaysia’s standing by its side in these difficult times, referring to the pride of the Syrians in their country’s historical relations with Malaysia, and in the existing cooperation between the two countries at various stages and on several levels.

Al-Mikdad explained the impacts of the terrorist war that Syria has faced and the destruction caused by terrorist groups which have weakened the countries national capabilities to confront natural disasters and increased the suffering of the Syrian people and affected their ability to face of the consequences of the earthquake.

For his part, Norman offered his condolences and those of his government to the families of the earthquake victims, stressing that his country stands by Syria in the face of this humanitarian catastrophe.

Norman explained the aid that was sent to Syria to face the repercussions of the earthquake, and the tasks to be carried out by the specialized team that arrived in Damascus, pointing to the Malaysian government’s intention to send more aid to Syria in the coming days, in order to enhance its ability to face this disaster.

Also, Hussein Makhlouf, Minister of Local Administration and Environment, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Relief, discussed with Norman the assistance that the Malaysian side can provide within the framework of the humanitarian response to face the repercussions and damages caused by the earthquake that occurred.

 Makhlouf affirmed the Syrian people’s pride in the historical relations and friendship that bind the two countries, pointing to the possibility of benefiting from the Malaysian expertise in such emergency situations, especially since Syria emerged from a terrorist war that destroyed and damaged the infrastructure.

Regarding the situation in the governorates affected by the earthquake, the minister explained that we have moved from the emergency response phase to the sustainable development phase and work to secure those who left their homes with temporary housing units, while providing their living requirements, in parallel with working to assess the buildings that were damaged.

For his part, Norman stressed the importance of the bilateral relations between the two countries and hoped that this visit would be the first stage to strengthen relations, indicating that the reason for his visit is to assess the damages and know the needs, especially in the health field, explaining that during the visit, the reopening of the Malaysian Embassy in Damascus will be discussed.

NR