State Secretary Dr Raščan welcomed the repeated organisation of the conference, aimed at providing further assistance to the affected Syrian population and at ensuring the international community’s support for a political solution to the conflict in Syria. The State Secretary expressed full support for the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, urging all parties to the conflict to end military hostilities and sincerely work towards achieving rapid progress in the UN-led political process on the path to a democratic, inclusive and peaceful Syria.

The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate due to years of conflict and a lack of progress in the political transition. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has made food security even more vulnerable. In view of the current situation, the State Secretary also stressed the importance of ensuring access to water. Taking into account the needs in this area and calls by the UN to increase international assistance for early recovery projects, Slovenia will contribute EUR 150,000 (EUR 50,000 in 2022, 2023 and 2024) to the International Committee of the Red Cross for projects ensuring access to water and sanitation for the civilian population of Syria. These projects also include the maintenance or repair of seven main drinking water pumps, local water supply networks and water infrastructure in schools.  Slovenia also provides assistance to the affected population in Syria through the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, supports a project aimed at removing explosive hazards and revitalising agriculture in Syria by the humanitarian organisation ITF Enhancing Human Security, as well as projects in Jordan and Lebanon aimed at providing assistance to Syrian refugees, especially the most vulnerable groups.

On the sidelines of the conference, State Secretary Raščan held a series of bilateral talks. He met with the Secretary General of the European External Action Service, the Foreign Minister of Lebanon, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan and the Assistant Secretary-General of the OACPS (Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States) for Environment and Climate Action, as well as the OACPS Bureau.