Mikdad, WFP regional director discuss cooperation

Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad discussed on Monday with Regional Director of the UN World Food Program (WFP) for the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia Al-Dali Balqassemi cooperation between Syria and the WFP and means for developing it. Dr. Mikdad underlined the strong relations between the two sides, voicing Syria's appreciation of the WFP's work and constant willingness to cooperate and offer expertise and aid. He also condemned the principle of unilateral sanctions imposed by western countries and the Untied States on the people of the world for the purpose of imposing their control and policies, noting that past experiences proved the failure of such sanctions and their catastrophic consequences on people, particularly regarding the development process in third world countries. He also noted that the European and U.S. sanctions against Syria will have a negative impact both on the Syrian people and on refugees in Syria. For his part, Balqassemi expressed the WFP's appreciation of Syria's efforts in hosting Iraqi refugees, stressing the need for donor countries to continue to support to WFP and its programs in Syria.