Syrian Minister of Emergency Management Meets Former U.S. General to Discuss Community Stability

ARK News.. Syrian Minister of Emergency Management and Disaster Response Raed al-Saleh met with retired U.S. General Joseph Votel, a fellow at the Middle East Institute, and his accompanying delegation to discuss ways to strengthen community stability and the role of the international community in supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts in Syria’s disaster-affected regions.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the meeting — held at the ministry headquarters in Damascus — addressed the urgent needs of local communities and emphasized the importance of coordinated national and international efforts in mine clearance and debris removal, which directly contribute to saving lives and creating safe conditions for the return of residents.

Minister al-Saleh highlighted that his ministry operates under a comprehensive national plan based on detailed field assessments of needs and gives priority to cooperation with international partners in implementing high-impact projects, particularly in heavily damaged areas.

He affirmed that the Syrian government is working to provide a secure and stable environment for returning residents and is accelerating the pace of mine and debris removal in coordination with all relevant agencies.

For his part, General Votel expressed appreciation for the Syrian government’s efforts in disaster management, noting that “the Middle East Institute supports initiatives that promote community stability and pays special attention to programs that remove the traces of war and create a safe environment for development.”

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Disaster Response, in cooperation with international partners, continues to enhance collaboration in mine clearance, debris removal, and the development of early warning systems to help protect lives and ensure the safe return of displaced residents.

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