DAMASCUS, Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (WNP): Türkiye and Syria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster and emergency management, reaffirming their commitment to humanitarian assistance, institutional capacity-building and the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrian refugees.
The agreement was signed during a meeting between Türkiye’s Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raid Salih, in the historic city of Damascus.
During the meeting, the two sides held comprehensive discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including disaster and emergency management, humanitarian assistance, strengthening institutional capacity and facilitating the voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said the discussions reflected the shared commitment of both countries to enhancing cooperation in responding to emergencies and supporting Syria’s reconstruction and recovery efforts.
He noted that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Disaster and Emergency Management would place bilateral collaboration and the exchange of expertise on a stronger institutional footing.
Minister Çiftçi said it was particularly meaningful that Syrian Minister Raid Salih shared his personal experience of living in Türkiye as a refugee for seven years, during which he gained valuable knowledge and experience that now supports his current responsibilities.
According to the Turkish minister, Raid Salih expressed deep appreciation for Türkiye’s effective emergency response capabilities and said Syria highly values the expertise and institutional experience developed by Türkiye in disaster and emergency management.
Mustafa Çiftçi reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to continuing to share the expertise of its Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) with Syria and to supporting efforts aimed at rebuilding the country and restoring normal life across all sectors.
He emphasized that Syria is not merely a neighbouring country for Türkiye but the homeland of a brotherly people with whom Türkiye shares deep historical, humanitarian and cultural bonds.
The Turkish interior minister said under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye would continue to uphold the spirit of brotherhood and work closely with Syria to promote regional peace, stability and security.
