Istanbul, July 3 (SANA)Syrian Health MinisterMusab al-Aliparticipated on Thursday in a ministerial roundtable in Istanbul,Türkiye, on strengthening health systems’ preparedness forearthquakesand other emergencies.The roundtable, held under the theme “Protecting Health in Earthquakes and Strengthening Health Security,” brought together health ministers, emergency experts and representatives of countries and international organizations to discuss disaster preparedness and health security.Addressing the meeting, al-Ali said strengthening emergency health preparedness remains a national priority, adding that Syria’s experience with earthquakes highlighted the need for an integrated health emergency management system capable of rapid response, protecting lives and ensuring the continuity of healthcare services.He saidSyriais working to strengthen its health sector by establishing a Public Health Emergency Center, improving ambulance services and modernizing health information systems in cooperation withthe World Health Organizationand local and international partners.Al-Ali also stressed the importance of exchanging expertise and enhancing regional and international cooperation in disaster risk management and capacity building to improve preparedness for future emergencies.On the sidelines of the conference, al-Ali met on Wednesday with the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for theEastern Mediterranean, Hans Kluge, to discuss support for Syria’s health sector and ways to strengthen its emergency preparedness.