Al-Moallem to Filippo Grandi: The government committed to providing needs to people and refugees

Damascus – Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid l-Moallem reiterated the Syrian government’s commitment to securing livelihood needs to its people and the refugees alike.

Speaking to UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi during a meeting on Thursday, al-Moallem said the government is cooperating with the United Nations and organizations that are “serious” about providing humanitarian help, noting that these efforts are being coordinated with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), SANA reported.

 It is necessary, he added, that providing aid not be politicized in service of special political agendas far from the humanitarian purpose, an issue that would cause the refugees’ conditions to deteriorate.

Grandi, for his part, said the UNHCR is aware of the difficulties standing in the way of carrying out its missions and is working to balance refugee issues and gaps between the resources available and the humanitarian needs required.

The UNHCR, the Commissioner added, appreciates the standing cooperation with the Syrian government in the field of providing assistance to refugees and displaced people in light of their increasing numbers and aggravated living conditions.

The UN agency is ready to continue this cooperation, said Grandi.

Grandi and Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad met earlier today and discussed the bilateral relations between Syria and the UNHCR, with Mikdad expressing satisfaction over the mutual cooperation.