Damascus, July 5 (SANA)Chemonics has opened an office in Syria to expand its cooperation withSyrian institutions, organizations and local communities in support of education, basic services, emergency response and the country’s recovery efforts.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, attended by government officials, representatives of partner organizations and local and international institutions, Chemonics President and CEO Jamey Butcher said the opening of the Damascus office reflects the company’s commitment to supportingSyrian-led recoverythrough long-term partnerships and specialized technical expertise.

Butcher said Chemonics has worked in Syria for more than 14 years, supporting early recovery, education, civil society and emergency response programs in partnership withSyrian institutions and local communities.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working alongside Syrian partners to promote inclusive and sustainable development based on local community needs.

According to Chemonics, the company has implemented stabilization and development programs in Syria worth more than $572 million since 2012 through 24 projects, benefiting nearly 600 localSyrian organizations.

Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Salehsaid during the ceremony that the opening of Chemonics’ permanent office in Damascus reflects the shift from partnerships born during the humanitarian response phase to partnerships focused on recovery, reconstruction and building the future.

“Our cooperation withChemonicsbegan nearly 12 years ago under extremely difficulthumanitarian conditions,and the equipment and machinery it provided helped strengthen rapid and effective response capacity,” al-Saleh said.