APA News Agency conducted an interview with Syrian Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mustafa Abdul Razzaq, participating in WUF13
Azerbaijan today possesses significant experience in reconstruction, infrastructure development, and urban planning
- Mr. Minister, how do you assess the recent development of relations between Azerbaijan and Syria?
- In recent times, relations between Syria and Azerbaijan have demonstrated noticeable positive dynamics across several areas. This development is evident in both political and humanitarian spheres and reflects the parties’ intention to expand cooperation and establish more effective relations in the upcoming phase. Azerbaijan today possesses significant experience in reconstruction, infrastructure development, and urban planning. In this regard, the projects implemented in Karabakh are particularly noteworthy. Especially against the backdrop of Syria’s current needs, this experience is worth learning from and benefiting from.
In my opinion, in the upcoming stage, cooperation should focus on practical and direct collaboration in specific areas such as housing construction and urban planning, infrastructure, and energy. Alongside this, training programs, the exchange of technical and engineering expertise, and the application of modern solutions in urban development are also important. The World Urban Forum, meanwhile, serves as an important platform for dialogue and exchange of experience on the future of cities, reconstruction, and sustainable development.
Syria is at a stage requiring the restoration of many sectors damaged in recent years
- Against the backdrop of the start of the reconstruction and recovery phase after the war, in which areas is Syria interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan?
- Syria is currently at a stage requiring the restoration of many sectors damaged in recent years. Therefore, there is interest in expanding cooperation with friendly countries in areas directly related to the recovery and reconstruction process. As I mentioned earlier, the main areas in which we are interested in cooperating with Azerbaijan are infrastructure restoration, housing construction and urban planning, urbanism and city planning, the construction of modern cities, land management, energy, and services related to economic development.
At the same time, we want to benefit from Azerbaijan’s experience in rebuilding its liberated territories, and we are interested in this.
Azerbaijan’s experience in rebuilding those regions is of particular interest
- How do you plan to benefit from the large-scale and rapid reconstruction work carried out in Azerbaijan’s territories liberated from occupation?
- Azerbaijan’s experience in rebuilding those regions is of particular interest. Especially notable are the rapid restoration of services, the integration of reconstruction projects with long-term development plans, and the application of modern technologies in management and implementation. For Syria, reconstruction is not only about constructing buildings, but also about revitalizing the economy, improving services, and creating a more stable environment for society.
What is remarkable in this experience is not only the scale of the projects, but also the transformation of damaged areas into more modern, planned, and sustainable urban environments. In Syria, it is believed that reconstruction should not be carried out solely through traditional construction methods, but should be based on clear planning principles.
For this reason, in recent times, work has been carried out in the areas of damage assessment, analysis of the urban situation, and the development of planning tools for the recovery phase. At the same time, special attention is being paid to ensuring that any reconstruction model implemented in Syria preserves urban identity, social balance, and economic aspects. In this process, there is an intention to benefit from successful international examples, including Azerbaijan’s experience.
Syria highly appreciates Azerbaijan’s initiative
- Within the framework of Azerbaijan’s support for the restoration of educational infrastructure in Syria, it is planned to build approximately 10 new schools and comprehensively renovate nearly 100 damaged schools. At what stage are these projects currently?
- We highly appreciate this initiative by the Azerbaijani side. It is significant support for Syria’s education sector, particularly in regions that have suffered infrastructural damage in recent years.
A strategic partnership agreement was signed between the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Education of Syria with the cooperation of ICESCO. The goal is to implement a program for the restoration of educational infrastructure in Syria. Within the framework of the program, the restoration of a large number of schools, as well as the construction of new schools and educational facilities based on a plan that will continue until 2030, is envisaged. Funds have also been allocated for construction, restoration, and technical supervision works.
Currently, technical coordination and meetings are ongoing between the relevant institutions to determine priorities, the areas where the projects will be implemented, and implementation mechanisms. The reconstruction of schools is not only an issue related to the service sector, but also concerns the fate of future generations and long-term social stability.
Azerbaijan helped facilitate gas exports to Syria
- How do you assess Azerbaijan’s support to Syria in the humanitarian sphere and energy sector, including in the direction of gas exports?
- Any support aimed at easing the burden on the Syrian people and contributing to stability is highly appreciated by us. Whether this support is humanitarian, service-oriented, or developmental, it carries great importance.
Particularly in the energy sector, important cooperation has been carried out regarding gas supplies to Syria. This process took place within the framework of assistance provided by Qatar, and Azerbaijan supported the implementation of this matter, helping facilitate its realization. This demonstrates a good level of regional cooperation among friendly countries.
The energy sector is one of the key areas in the stage of economic recovery, because the improvement of services, production, and living conditions is directly linked to energy. Humanitarian and development-oriented cooperation also positively affects relations between peoples, and this is one of the important directions of bilateral relations.
Azerbaijan’s hosting of WUF13 demonstrates the country’s growing role in international cooperation
- How do you assess Azerbaijan’s hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13)? What is the significance of this event in terms of regional and international cooperation?
- Azerbaijan’s hosting of the World Urban Forum demonstrates the country’s growing role in urban development and international cooperation. This is especially important at a time when global interest in cities, housing provision, and sustainable development issues is increasing.
The Forum has become an important platform bringing together governments, international organizations, experts, and the private sector to discuss issues related to urban expansion, reconstruction, and sustainable development.
Issues related to urban restoration and economic revival should be an essential part of international discussions on urban development. Because reconstruction is not only an engineering issue, but is also directly linked to the economy, stability, services, and employment.
The Forum also creates an important opportunity for studying international experience in urban planning, housing provision, smart cities, and sustainable infrastructure, as well as for establishing professional and development-oriented partnerships in the upcoming stage.
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