Turkish municipal union delegation to assess needs in Syria

A delegation from the Union of Municipalities of Turkey (TBB) will visit Syria to evaluate the needs of its cities and to strengthen municipal cooperation, İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu announced on December 27 in Ankara, Turkish media reported.

İmamoğlu, who chairs the TBB, emphasized the union’s commitment to rebuilding Syrian cities after the installation of a friendlier interim administration following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

The initiative aims to identify on-site requirements, establish sustainable partnerships and mobilize support from TBB member municipalities, İmamoğlu said, adding that he TBB’s mission also includes ensuring the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

The delegation is expected to start its assessment in Damascus and expand its focus to other areas.

Local administrations in Turkey are prepared to offer high-level assistance to Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, according to İmamoğlu.