Syria, UNICEF discuss cooperation in different sectors

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Al-Mikdad on Saturday met with the Regional Director of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for the Middle East and North Africa Adele Khodr and the accompanying delegation. Talks dealt with cooperation with UNICEF and with the projects supported by this organization, particularly the rehabilitation and restoration of schools and medical institutions.

Al-Mikdad called for exerting concerted global efforts to face the repercussions of the terrorist war and the inhumane economic sanctions imposed by Western countries on various sectors in Syria, especially on education, health, and children.

Khodr hailed the Syrian government’s cooperation with UNICEF to facilitate implementing its projects in Syria.

Earlier, Minister of Health Hassan Al-Ghabbash discussed with Khodr, during a meeting, means of enhancing health cooperation and health issues in the region, including children nutrition and vaccination programs.

Al-Ghabbash affirmed the importance of continuous coordination between the ministry and UNICEF and work within the health programs that greatly support the health sector and improve the quality of services, pointing out that big projects have been carried out in cooperation with the organization during the past period despite the difficult circumstances.

For her part, Khoder affirmed the organization’s readiness to cooperate with the ministry with the aim of providing good health services to Syrian citizens, hailing the efforts of the Syrian health cadres, particularly in vaccination campaigns and in providing medical services despite the difficulties.

Education Minister Mohammad Amer Al-Mardini also met with Khodr and discussed with her means of developing educational ties.

Al-Mardini affirmed the government’s keenness on securing education to all Syrian children, noting the role of the local community in supporting the education process.

He explained the importance of cooperation with UNICEF mainly in training teaching staff, printing the books and ensuring the software necessary for the development of education work.

Khodr, on her part, spoke about the need to support the education process to protect children and ensure a good future for them, hailing the ministry’s efforts in this field despite challenges.

Hamda Mustafa