Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad received on Thursday UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. President al-Assad considered it important to look at the impacts of the earthquake and the war on Syria with one comprehensive vision, as what the war left behind made it more difficult to face the repercussions of the earthquake. The Syrian President stressed the importance of cooperation between the Syrian government and civil agencies and international organizations operating on the ground. The President affirmed that efforts and capacities must be coordinated for the transition from the emergency response to the early recovery phase, to ensure that those affected return to their normal life. President al-Assad and Grandi also discussed continuing the necessary measures for the return of Syrian refugees to their cities and regions. Grandi affirmed that the UNHCR will intensify its work and efforts in Syria to support the humanitarian response undertaken by the Syrian State in the face of the earthquake catastrophe. He indicated that over his visit to the governorates of Lattakia and Hama, he noticed the great efforts exerted by the Syrian government and civil society organizations in providing relief aid to those affected by the earthquake.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon