Syrian officials met with representatives of the European Union and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday to discuss projects aimed at upgrading border crossing infrastructure and expanding technical cooperation.  Qutaiba Badawi, head of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, held talks in Damascus with EU Ambassador to Syria Michael Ohnmacht and Othman Belbeisi, the IOM’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.  The discussions focused on ongoing projects to rehabilitate and equip facilities at several border crossings, according to the authority. Officials said the upgrades are intended to improve services for travelers, streamline border operations and support cross-border movement.  Participants also reviewed opportunities for future cooperation, including technical and logistical support, infrastructure modernization and capacity-building initiatives.  Badawi said partnerships with international organizations and donor agencies are important for efforts to modernize border facilities and improve operational efficiency.  Representatives of the EU mission and the IOM expressed support for continued cooperation on projects aimed at enhancing border infrastructure and facilitating travel and trade.  The meeting follows talks held in March between Badawi and Ohnmacht on cooperation related to border crossing operations and development. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency