The Minister of Local Administration and Environment, Chairperson of the High Relief Committee Lamia Shakur, discussed with the Pakistani Ambassador in Damascus Shahid Akhtar the areas of cooperation and ways of developing them in particular the support of local communities and administrative units, and the follow-up of support to those affected by last year’s earthquake.
For his part, ambassador Akhtar reaffirmed his country’s support for Syria and the preservation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and the sympathy of the Pakistani people for the repercussions of the earthquake.
He pointed to the possibility of further strengthening cooperation between the two friendly countries in the field of local administration and the environment, rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, including schools, and in the field of environmental protection, especially afforestation campaigns in administrative units.
Minister Shakur, on the other hand, discussed at another meeting with the Chargé d ‘affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, John Gombos Reyes, and the accompanying delegation ways of strengthening joint cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries.
Shakur noted the importance of cooperation and exchange of experiences in the local administration and environment sector, in particular the development of administrative units and community support, highlighting the Philippines’ assistance to Syria to mitigate the aftermath of the earthquake.
For his part, Reyes stressed that the existing relations between the two countries were and still are strong and reflect the amity of the two friendly peoples, pointing out the Philippines ‘ efforts to continue coordination and work to enhance cooperation between the two sides.
Amal Farhat