Syrian Government, OCHA Discuss Cooperation to Meet Syrians’ Humanitarian Needs

DAMASCUS – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Walid al-Moallem discussed on Tuesday with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Mark Lowcock means of strengthening cooperation relations between the Syrian government and OCHA to meet the humanitarian needs of Syrian citizens in light of the situation in Syria.

According to SANA, Al-Moallem briefed Lowcock on the Syrian government’s efforts to improve the humanitarian and living conditions of all citizens, meet their needs, and reduce their suffering in all Syrian areas to alleviate the repercussions of the crisis caused by the armed terrorist groups’ crimes, as well as the sanctions imposed on the Syrian people.

 The Minister voiced Syria’s readiness to discuss with the OCHA cooperation within a positive and mutually-supportive atmosphere based on partnership, respect, and the UN rules of humanitarian action, particularly with regard to the full respect of the sovereignty and independence of States.

For his part, Lowcock thanked the Syrian government for approving the visit, appreciating the Syrian government’s efforts to deliver humanitarian aid and meet the Syrian citizens’ needs.

This visit will be an important opportunity to take a closer look at the situation in Syria with the aim of assessing the humanitarian needs in all areas and increasing the sources of this aid, he said, adding that it will also allow for listening to the Syrian government’s point of view and engaging in constructive dialogue and professional relations with it.

Lowcock said that during his mandate, he will work according to the principles of humanitarian action, especially neutrality, objectivity, independence, and professionalism, in cooperation with the Syrian government.

Lowcock and the accompanying delegation also met Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad.

Mikdad reiterated that Syria is ready to cooperate with the United Nation organizations operating in the humanitarian field, adding that this work is conducted in parallel with ending the terrorism in every part of the country and starting a sustainable development and reconstruction process that would revitalize Syria and alleviate the Suffering of the Syrians who have suffered for years due to the terrorist war.

Mikdad said that Syria stressed the need for avoiding the politicization of humanitarian aid.