Syria, ICRC to enhance cooperation in humanitarian file

General

Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, discussed on Monday with Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer and an accompanying delegation, ways of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the Syrian government and the International Red Cross.

Minister Mikdad expressed the Syrian government’s appreciation for what has been achieved in building the foundations of current and future cooperation between the Syrian government and the International Red Cross in the humanitarian field.

He welcomed the efforts exerted by the Red Cross in providing humanitarian aid to various sectors such as health, education and others.

Mikdad said that he expects international organizations operating in Syria to abide by the humanitarian responsibilities entrusted to them, as well as to the rules of international humanitarian law, in order to ensure the efficiency and quality of humanitarian work and its access to those who deserve it, as the main goal of the work of these organizations should focus on alleviating as much as possible the suffering of the Syrian people and assisting them in obtaining basic services.

Mikdad pointed out to the Syrian government’s keenness on facilitating the work of the ICRC team in Syria to enable it carry out its basic tasks through continuous cooperation and coordination between the Syrian government, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the International Red Cross.

For his part, Maurer stressed the commitment of the (ICRC) to meet humanitarian needs without any politicization.

He expressed his appreciation for the cooperative relationship between Syria and the (ICRC), and praised the facilities it provides for the work of the Committee’s team.

Maurer added that the International Red Cross seeks to expand its humanitarian operations and activities in Syria at various levels, especially in the fields of health, water, electricity and education.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)