Syrian minister details deepening disaster and security partnership with Türkiye

Syria's cooperation with Türkiye has evolved into a strategic partnership critical for disaster management, mine clearance, and national reconstruction, according to Syrian Emergency and Disaster Response Minister Raed al-Saleh. In an interview marking the first year after the fall of the Assad regime, Saleh stated that Türkiye now plays "a major role" in Syria's most pressing operations, including seismic monitoring, wildfire response, and landmine removal.

Institutional Agreements and Shared Security

Minister Saleh revealed that Damascus and Ankara are finalizing a memorandum of understanding between his ministry and Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) to enhance training and capacity in earthquake response and emergency coordination. He stressed the fundamental interconnection of their security, stating, "Security in Syria is linked to security in Türkiye, and security in Türkiye is linked to security in Syria." He highlighted deep social ties, including millions of Syrians who lived in Türkiye, and new military training exchanges for Syrian officers and pilots.

Building a National System from Scratch

Saleh, the former head of the Syria Civil Defense (White Helmets), outlined the challenge of building a national emergency system almost from scratch. His ministry's work has involved establishing new institutions like the National Mine Action Center and the National Earthquake Center, aiming to shift Syria from reaction to prevention. He acknowledged the difficulty of merging the flexibility of civil society with governmental bureaucracy but stated his goal is to create a transparent and agile state system.

Tangible Cooperation on Mine Clearance and Border Management

On practical collaboration, Saleh confirmed that Turkish mine-clearing equipment is already operating with the Syrian army in various regions. He noted that Syria has cleared over one million cubic meters of rubble—twice the debris from the 2023 earthquakes—and is developing recycling programs. Future plans include a joint operations room on the Syrian-Turkish border for coordinated emergency and wildfire response. "Disasters do not recognize borders," he remarked, underscoring the necessity of cross-border cooperation.

A Vision for a Stable and Open Syria

Minister Saleh framed this partnership as part of a broader break from the past, aiming to rebuild public trust and create a safe society. "Our message to Syrians is that we are building a truly safe society," he said. He concluded that the new Syria, built on openness and cooperation, aims to be a source of regional stability, contrasting with the previous era of threat and rights violations.