Shakour discusses with UNFPA and DRC ways of cooperation between the two sides

Damascus, SANA- Minister of Local Administration and Environment and Head of the Supreme Relief Committee, Eng. Lamia Shakour, discussed with the resident representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)in Syria, Muriel Mafico, and the accompanying delegation, areas of fruitful cooperation between the two sides and ways to develop them.

Shakour stressed the importance and effectiveness of the existing cooperation with the Fund, as several projects related to community participation and livelihoods have been implemented in several governorates, as well as projects to empower women and youth socially, economically, and environmentally.

In turn, Mafico noted the importance of the cooperation and support provided by the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment to the Fund for the transfer of supplies and equipment in a way that ensures their delivery to beneficiaries in local communities, with the possibility of including in the Fund’s work plan this year new axes of cooperation, particularly with regard to the environmental aspect through the preparation of studies and research related to the impact of climate change on the population.

Talks during the meeting the importance of expanding community participation activities and projects to include several governorates.

In another meeting, Minister Shakour discussed with the country director of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Sachitra Chitrakar, and the accompanying delegation, ways of coordination between the ministry and the organization regarding humanitarian work.

Minister Shakour pointed out the importance of the projects carried out by the Danish Council over the past year in a number of governorates, including rehabilitation and maintenance projects for shelter centres, restoration of partially damaged homes, and distribution of health and winter baskets in shelter centres, in addition to the distribution of agricultural baskets.

In turn, Chitrakar stressed the continuation of coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment, which paves the way for the implementation of more projects that contribute to the return of the displaced, and support the response to those returning to their homes.

In a related context, both sides stressed on the need to intensify efforts during the next phase to strengthen cooperation prospects regarding infrastructure support and early recovery in all governorates.

Nisreen Othman / Mazen Eyon