Russian deputy FM draws UN official's attention to need for humanitarian support for liberated Syrian regions
MOSCOW. Nov 24 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov reiterated the need to extend humanitarian support to Syrian districts liberated from terrorists at a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock.
"The parties gave detailed consideration to humanitarian aspects of the situation in countries with ongoing armed conflicts, including Yemen, Syria, and the south-east of Ukraine. Gatilov briefed his interlocutor on the humanitarian aid being provided by Russia to residents of the aforementioned states and reiterated the need to assist districts of the Syrian Arab Republic liberated from terrorists," the Foreign Ministry said on its website.
"The sides discussed ways to develop and raise the efficiency of the UN emergency response system, including reforms at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [OCHA]. They underscored the importance of non-politicized steps by the international community to extend assistance in accordance with the principles of humanism, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, with respect for recipient states' sovereignty, the use of reliable information in the work of the UN's humanitarian wing, and amid close dialogue between its employees and member countries," the ministry said.
"Lowcock thanked the Russian side for its financial support for the OCHA's work and assistance for UN humanitarian operations," it said.
"He also expressed hope that cooperation with our country in efforts to extend international humanitarian aid would continue to strengthen," the ministry said.
"During his visit to Moscow, Lowcock also met with senior officials of Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry and Defense Ministry," it said.