Mikdad stresses need to boost cooperation between Syrian and UNICEF under coronavirus crisis

 DAMASCUS, (ST)- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faysal al-Mikdad has stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Syrian government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), particularly during the current circumstances caused by the Coronavirus pandemic crisis.

Al-Mikdad made the remarks during his meeting on Thursday with UNICEF’s New Representative in Syria Bo Viktor Nylund.

He hailed Syria-UNICEF cooperation, particularly in issues relating to childhood, health, education and water.

Al-Mikdad clarified the Syrian state’s keenness on providing education to all Syrian children in various educational stages, affirming that focus is being put on rehabilitating damaged schools and supporting the education sector in general, especially the examination process for students who left areas under the control of terrorist groups.

The deputy minister also noted the great attention accorded by the Syrian government the health of Syrian children, welcoming more cooperation with UNICEF in this domain.

 Al-Mikdad made it clear that the negative impacts of the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States and Western countries on Syria have exacerbated and mostly affected children, education process and basic services in the country. He called on the UNICEF to highlight this danger through its regular reports and data.

On his part, the new UNICEF representative in Syria stressed the need that the organization continues exerting constructive efforts for fruitful cooperation with Syria in various fields.

He pointed out that he will work to support the measures taken by the Syrian government against the Coronavirus epidemic and to provide necessary assistance to Syrian children, especially in the fields of educational and health.

Hamda Mustafa