Makhlouf, UN Resident Coordinator discuss developments in the response to the earthquake repercussions

Minister of Local Administration and Environment Hussein Makhlouf, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Relief, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Syria Al-Mustafa bin Al-Malih, on Thursday discussed developments in the response of the UN organizations operating in Syria to the earthquake repercussion within the framework of supporting the national efforts to alleviate these repercussions.

Makhlouf talked about the efforts that have been exerted by the government and the higher committee for relief to confront the impacts of the earthquake, including the rescue operations, removing the rubble, providing health services and securing shelter centers for those whose houses were destroyed, leading to the recovery stage.

He noted the importance of the work provided by the UN organizations operating in Syria, that integrated with the government efforts and was carried out in cooperation with national partners in the Syrian Trust for Development, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, civil and economic organizations, all industrial activities and trade unions, stressing that their work has had a positive impact that contributed to mitigating effects of the earthquake.

For his part, Bin Al-Malih stressed that the sanctions imposed on Syria impede the humanitarian work in the country, explaining that Syria today is suffering a double crisis as a result of the war that has been waged on it since 2011 and as a result of the earthquake, which made the situation more difficult, because the number of people in need for assistance has increased.

He clarified that the needs in Syria are great and urgent assistance should be provided, stressing that the Syrian government has provided all facilities to deliver aid to all the affected areas, and that it will seek securing more funding from donors to provide humanitarian support and encourage recovery.

Syria, China discuss cooperation in early recovery and reconstruction phase

Earlier, Makhlouf met with China’s Ambassador to Syria Shi Hongwei and discussed with him enhancing cooperation during the early recovery and reconstruction phase.

The two sides affirmed their keenness on providing necessary supplies to accelerate the assessment of damaged buildings in addition to carrying out development projects, notably those contributing to the return of people affected by the earthquake to their homes as early as possible.

Makhlouf hailing China’s support for Syria in all international forums and its vital role in the humanitarian response to the earthquake.

He pointed out that China was among the first countries to dispatch humanitarian assistance and emergency supplies to the quake-affected people in Syria.

For his part, the Chinese ambassador affirmed that his country will continue to provide humanitarian aid that meets the requirements for each phase, including the tools for detecting earthquake-damaged buildings, food and medical supplies and other kind of assistance.

Hamda Mustafa