Syrian-Turkish Talks to Enhance Agricultural Cooperation Between the Two Countries

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Amjad Badr discussed with the Turkish Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus, Burhan Kouroglu, the development and enhancement of agricultural cooperation between the two countries in the fields of irrigation, scientific research, experience exchange, and training and qualifying technical staff.

The Minister of Agriculture pointed out the significant damage that the Syrian agricultural sector has suffered and its need for systematic restoration, particularly regarding irrigation channels, as well as the need for redevelopment and qualification of technical staff.

Minister Badr emphasized Syria’s need to address the water deficit it is facing, especially in the eastern regions, highlighting the importance of exchanging agricultural products in a manner that does not adversely affect the local market needs of both countries.

For his part, Burhan expressed Turkey’s desire to increase cooperation with Syria in all agricultural fields to improve the conditions of Syrian farmers, indicating his country’s readiness to provide technical, scientific, and logistical assistance that contributes to the recovery of Syrian agriculture.

He also mentioned Turkey’s willingness to offer scholarships for training technical staff from the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture in Turkish universities.

He noted that Turkey is looking to increase the flow of water from its dams towards Syria and stressed the importance of using irrigation water in a studied and scientific manner to expand irrigated areas in Syria.

Souha Suleiman