Damascus, Oct. 15 (SANA) Syria’s General Authority for Ports and Customs discussed cooperation with a Swedish delegation on migration, voluntary return and reintegration, focusing on facilitating the safe return of Syrians abroad and improving services for returnees at border crossings.
The meeting in Damascus brought together Mazen Alloush, director of the authority’s International Relations and Cooperation Department, and a Swedish delegation that included representatives of the Swedish Migration Agency, headed by Kjell Terry Torvik, and Jesper Hager, deputy head of mission at the Swedish Embassy in Damascus.
According to a statement published by the authority on its Telegram channel on Wednesday, the discussions addressed ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Syrian and Swedish sides, including the development of procedures and services for returnees, the exchange of expertise and the strengthening of institutional capacities in areas of mutual interest.
Facilitating voluntary return and reintegration
Alloush said the return of Syrians to their homeland was of significant national and humanitarian importance.
He said the authority prioritizes facilitating entry procedures for returnees, providing necessary assistance and improving infrastructure and services at border crossings to ensure an organized reception that preserves their dignity and eases the challenges associated with their return.
Alloush stressed that achieving voluntary and sustainable return requires coordination between national efforts and international partners. He said support should extend beyond return and transit procedures to include economic and social stability and the conditions needed for reintegration into communities.
These conditions include employment opportunities, access to basic services and improved living conditions, according to the authority’s statement.
Strengthening Syrian-Swedish cooperation
Alloush highlighted the importance of developing bilateral relations between Syria and Sweden and strengthening communication and institutional cooperation between the competent authorities in both countries.
He said the authority was open to joint initiatives and projects aimed at exchanging expertise, improving border management procedures and enhancing services for travelers and returnees.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining communication and coordination and exploring practical opportunities for cooperation in the coming period.
The discussions aimed to support voluntary and sustainable returns and strengthen bilateral relations between Syria and Sweden.
Previous cooperation on border crossings
On Sept. 29, Qutaiba Badawi, head of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, discussed cooperation with Ash Carl, head of mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Syria.
The talks focused on developing border crossings, improving services for travelers and strengthening readiness to respond to crises and emergencies.
TS/RK
