The "Dialogue with Syrian Civil Society" event, organized jointly by the Syrian government and the European Union, kicked off in Damascus on Saturday with the participation of local and international figures.
"Today, we are launching a strong partnership with civil society and our partners in the European Union," Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said during the opening ceremony at the Conference Palace, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
He added that civil society "is not a new phenomenon, but rather an extension of local unions, humanitarian initiatives, and student groups that operated under the most difficult circumstances. Today, it serves as a mirror reflecting the pulse of the street and a bridge between the state and society."
For her part, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabawat emphasized that dialogue marks the beginning of change, stressing that rebuilding Syria can only be achieved through a close partnership built on mutual respect between the state and society.
Qabawat pointed out that civil society is a fundamental partner in state-building, in planning, implementation, and accountability, in cooperation with state institutions and international organizations. She added that it is the guarantor of achieving justice and transparency in the country.
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