In a step that reflects the strengthening of the international partnership for the reconstruction of Syria, the capital Damascus witnessed an important meeting between the General Establishment for Road Transport and the French company Matier. The meeting aimed to transform the bilateral memorandum of understanding into a tangible reality on the ground, particularly in the field of rehabilitating damaged bridges.
37 Bridges in Focus
The meeting, held at the Establishment’s headquarters and attended by Ali Asbar, Director of Land Transport at the Ministry of Transport, and a number of French and Syrian experts, focused on discussing the activation of the cooperation agreement signed in 2023. The meeting yielded positive results, most notably increasing the number of bridges included in the project from 32 to 37, with a focus on the most damaged bridges in the country to facilitate transportation, economic and social development. They agreed to immediately begin preparing detailed estimates for each bridge and secure the necessary funding to ensure the implementation of projects according to the required standards.
A Firm Commitment to Supporting Reconstruction
Khadir Fatoum, Acting Director of the General Establishment for Road Transport, emphasized the establishment’s strategy of cooperating with all international partners willing to support the development and maintenance of the central road network. He explained that “this fruitful cooperation with the French company Matier directly contributes to achieving a safe and sustainable transportation sector, which supports comprehensive reconstruction efforts and contributes to building a modern Syria.”
For his part, Philippe Matier, Director of the French company, expressed his company’s full commitment to implementing the terms of the memorandum of understanding. He emphasized, “We are keen to commence maintenance and rehabilitation work on strategic bridges as soon as possible, strengthening the positive relationship and constructive cooperation between the Syrian and French sides.”
Rebuilding What Was Destroyed by the Assad Regime
This cooperation comes within the framework of national and international efforts to rebuild vital infrastructure in Syria, following the massive destruction of bridges and roads resulting from the policies of the Assad regime. Many major bridges, especially in areas previously liberated by the revolution, suffer severe damage hindering the movement of people and goods and impedes development.
Through international partnerships such as this memorandum with Matier, the General Authority for Road Transport is working to restore the role of these vital facilities, with the primary goal of improving transportation networks in Syria and promoting balanced development throughout the country. This ambitious project to rehabilitate 37 bridges is a practical step toward establishing the road of hope and reconnecting communities, a fundamental building block in the edifice of a new Syria.
