Damascus, Sept. 17 (SANA)Syria andJapandiscussed in Damascus on Thursday ways to expand cooperation in energy, health and capacity-building, as well as plans for future development projects and stronger private-sector links.

The talks brought together theDirector of the International Cooperation Departmentat the Syrian Ministry of Foreign AffairsQutaiba.KadishandAkihiro Tsuji,chargé d’affaires of the Japanese Embassy in Damascus.

The two sides reviewed existing cooperation and projects implemented withUN agencies, along with proposals under consideration in electricity, mine clearance, environment and health. They also discussed cooperation in cultural heritage protection, local administration and dealing with explosiveremnants of war.

The meeting addressed expanding training andcapacity-building programs for Syrian governmentpersonnel, including opportunities to draw on Japanese expertise and training programs in Japan and third countries.

The two sides discussed preparations for a joint workshop in early 2027 to identify priority sectors and develop future projects in coordination with relevant Syrian ministries and theJapan International Cooperation Agency(JICA).

They also discussed strengthening links between Syrian and Japanese businesses, including a proposal to establish a Syrian-Japanese Business Council and facilitate contacts betweenJapanese companiesand Syrian economic and investment bodies.