Director General of the Syrian Development Fund, Safwat Raslan, discussed Wednesday with the Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Syria, Michael Ohnmacht, aspects of joint cooperation and support for development efforts in Syria, as well as the development of economic empowerment programs.  “The meeting focused on strengthening institutional capacities, developing economic empowerment programs, and supporting returnees in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), with particular attention to rural energy development and agricultural production,” the Fund’s media said in a statement.  The statement emphasized that the cornerstone of sustainable development lies in building effective strategic partnerships capable of creating tangible and impactful change on the ground.  The two sides also discussed the financial challenges related to opening bank accounts in Europe and ways to facilitate expatriate donations, while reviewing options that ensure transparency and ease of financial transfers.  Onmacht, for his part, noted that the meeting represents recognition of the Fund’s efforts and the importance of EU projects in Syria.  He pointed out that coordination and information exchange between Syrian and European sides, across their various institutional and societal components, is a fundamental pillar for optimally utilizing available development opportunities. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency