“A Day of Dialogue with Syrian Civil Society” event kicks off in Damascus

“A Day of Dialogue with Syrian Civil Society” kicked off Saturday at the Conferences Palace in Damascus, in cooperation between the Syrian government and the European Union with the participation of local and international figures.

In an opening speech, Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, said that Today, we launch a strong partnership with civil society and our partners in the European Union.

“Civil society is not a new phenomenon, but rather an extension of unions and humanitarian and student initiatives that operated under the most difficult conditions,” al-Shaibani said, adding that the activity serves as “a mirror of public sentiment” and a bridge between the state and society.”

For her part, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, emphasized that today’s dialogue marks the beginning of change.

“Rebuilding Syria can only be achieved through a close partnership based on mutual respect between the state and society,” she said.

Kabawat further stressed that civil society is a partner in the state-building, planning, implementation and accountability, in cooperation with institutions and international organizations.

She underlined that it is the guarantor of justice and transparency in the country.

Source: SANA