Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh and Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Cevikci signed a memorandum of understanding in Damascus aimed at strengthening cooperation in disaster and emergency management. The signing followed talks between the two ministers during Cevikci’s visit to Syria with a high-level Turkish delegation that included senior government officials.
The agreement establishes a framework for joint coordination between the two countries, including mutual assistance during disasters and emergencies, the exchange of expertise and technical knowledge, and the implementation of specialized training programs focused on prevention, preparedness, and emergency response. It also seeks to improve the readiness and response capabilities of both countries while enhancing efforts to protect lives during crises.
Expanding Disaster Response cooperation
In a post on X, Saleh described the memorandum as carrying both professional and humanitarian significance. He thanked the Turkish Interior Ministry and Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) along with its leadership and staff, for the support they provided over the past several years.
Reflecting on his own experience, Saleh said he attended his first civil defense training course in Turkey 13 years ago, where he learned the principles of rescue operations and professional emergency response.
He said cooperation between the two countries has developed from work carried out with limited resources into a partnership built on a shared humanitarian responsibility to save lives and strengthen disaster response.
Focus on Training and Regional Stability
Cevikci said the memorandum would strengthen the exchange of expertise and expand joint field operations between the two countries. He added that Turkey will continue sharing its knowledge and experience with Syria to support stabilization efforts and the restoration of normal life across different sectors.
The Turkish minister also emphasized what he described as the strong fraternal and humanitarian ties between the two countries. He said Turkey remains committed to working closely with Syria to promote peace and security in the region.
Cevikci also met with Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab in Damascus to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual interest. According to the two sides, the talks also focused on mechanisms for developing cooperation in ways that serve the interests of both countries and their peoples while contributing to greater security and stability.
