A new shipment of Qatari aid has arrived in the Syrian capital Damascus, provided by the Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) in coordination with the Qatar Development Fund and the United Nations Development Programme. This supports the efforts of the Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management and the Civil Defense (White Helmets) in firefighting, rescue, and disaster and emergency response.

The aid included vehicles, machinery, and advanced logistical equipment dedicated to search and rescue operations, in addition to modern devices and technologies that contribute to enhancing the readiness of Syrian emergency teams and improving their field capabilities, according to the Qatari News Agency (QNA).

Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed Al-Saleh told QNA that “Qatari support reflects the deep brotherly relations between the two countries, noting that Qatar has not hesitated to support the Syrian people since the beginning of their crisis until today, and that the aid provided by Lekhwiya will directly help alleviate the burdens on Syrian society and enhance the capabilities of state institutions in rescue and emergency fields.”

Al-Saleh explained that “these efforts come at a stage when the country needs to restore and maintain its facilities after years of war, creating conditions for a safe and voluntary return of displaced persons and refugees to their areas.”

Meanwhile, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Qatari Embassy in Syria, Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, told the Qatari News Agency that “the initiative is an extension of the existing partnership between Qatar and the Syrian Ministry of Emergency, Disaster Management, and Civil Defense, emphasizing Qatar’s keenness to continue its humanitarian and logistical support to the brotherly Syrian people.”

He added, “This step comes within Qatar’s ongoing commitment to support Syrians, based on its humanitarian and ethical duty, noting that the initial aid shipments have already arrived and will be completed in the coming days, following training programs for Syrian cadres in Qatar in firefighting, emergency response, and earthquake preparedness.”

Additionally, the Director General of the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets), Munir Mustafa, told QNA in a similar statement that “Qatari support included equipment, machinery, and specialized training courses, which will have a significant impact on raising the efficiency of Syrian rescue teams and improving their response to accidents and natural disasters,” confirming the continuation of cooperation between Doha and Damascus in this vital humanitarian field.