Syrian Deputy Minister of Emergency Affairs Hüsam Hallaq visited the Bülbülzade Foundation. During the meeting, the reconstruction of Syria and joint projects aimed at young people were discussed.
Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir met with Syrian Deputy Minister of Emergency Affairs Hüsam Hallaq at the foundation’s headquarters. During the meeting, in which the transition process from humanitarian aid to humanitarian development was evaluated, comprehensive consultations were held regarding future projects to be implemented in Syria. The meeting particularly highlighted the education of Syrian youth, the activities of civil society organizations in the region, and civil diplomacy between the two countries.
WE ARE ENGAGED IN CIVIL DIPLOMACY
Expressing his satisfaction with the visit and making remarks about the foundation culture, Bülbülzade Foundation President Turgay Aldemir described their philosophy of solidarity with the following words: “Our civilization is a civilization of foundations. In the West, civil society is an interest and pressure group, whereas for us it is humanity and sharing. Every person is responsible for helping their neighbor and those in need. Everyone is entrusted to one another. In fact, in our civilization, this is called civil diplomacy.”
A STRONG DAMASCUS IS THE FORTIFICATION OF JERUSALEM
Emphasizing the importance of acting together for the revival of the region, Aldemir commented on the education of Syrian youth and the planned projects as follows: “We have a lot of work to do, but we will do it together. We stand by you so that you can rise again. Let us establish an area in Aleppo and build a container camp jointly with the governor’s office. Let us bring young people together and provide awareness training. Let us offer first aid, awareness, and religious education. We must carry out intellectual restoration. Our religion, our history, and our culture are one. If we struggle alone, we will be defeated; if Syria becomes weak, we will also be defeated. A strong Damascus is the fortification of Jerusalem.”
THE SUFFERING OF THE OPPRESSED CANNOT WAIT
Stating that civil society organizations should accelerate their activities in Syria, Turgay Aldemir made the following warning regarding the removal of bureaucratic obstacles: “You need to speed up the flow of work in Damascus. The suffering of the oppressed cannot wait. Syrian bureaucracy must become faster. If we are delayed in Syria, the people will turn away from us. Therefore, we must move quickly, step by step. The principles of the revolution must become part of everyday life as soon as possible.” Syrian Deputy Minister of Emergency Affairs Hüsam Hallaq, for his part, stated that foundations are institutions that keep society standing and thanked the Bülbülzade Foundation for the support they had provided over the past fifteen years.
The meeting concluded with messages of determination to develop unused land in Syria through civil society cooperation and to establish new youth centers modeled on the Aleppo Liberation Forest.
