Damascus, Aug. 28 (SANA) Syria and Germany discussed environmental challenges and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several areas, the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment said.
Deputy Minister for Environmental Affairs Yousef Sharaf and German Deputy Environment Minister Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter held the talks via video conference, covering waste management and rubble removal, water pollution, drought and damage to ecosystems.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in water management, rubble recycling, afforestation and forest protection, as well as preparations for a joint workshop and the exchange of lists of environmental needs and proposed projects.
In July, Sharaf discussed environmental and climate projects with a delegation from the German development agency GIZ, including expertise exchange and improvements to waste management and sanitation. The talks coincided with the Green Climate Fund’s approval of $27.7 million for Syria’s first national project addressing water scarcity risks in areas most affected by climate change.
The talks come amid broader Syrian-German engagement, with German companies returning to the Damascus International Fair this week after an absence of more than 40 years and the two countries exploring cooperation in investment and technology transfer.
kA/MF
