Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen held a meeting in Moscow on Monday and discussed mobilizing international humanitarian assistance for Syria to over the repercussions of the earthquake, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The parties held a thorough exchange of views on the current situation in Syria and around it. They paid special attention to pressing humanitarian needs, particularly in terms of dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake and providing comprehensive support to all Syrians in need and those affected by the quake without discrimination, politicization and preconditions," the statement read.
According to the ministry, Russia emphasized that it was crucial for UN agencies to coordinate their efforts with Damascus, as well as to respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. The need to lift all illegal unilateral sanctions on Syria was also emphasized as they impede humanitarian activities and negatively affect people’s lives.
Also, the two sides discussed issues related to efforts to promote the political process led and carried out by the Syrian people with the support of the United Nations, as stipulated in UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Meanwhile, Moscow announced sending a new aid shipment to Syria. Reports showed Tuesday that a Russian aid ship arrived at the port of Tartous, loaded with more than 50 tons of aid for those affected by the earthquake.
