Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş met with Syrian First Lady Latifa al-Droubi in Damascus on Friday, with the two sides discussing ways to strengthen cooperation in social and family affairs.

The meeting focused particularly on child and orphan care, as well as efforts to facilitate the return of Syrian children to their homeland, according to information released following the talks.

The discussions highlighted Türkiye’s continued engagement with Syria on humanitarian and social issues, as Ankara and Damascus seek to expand cooperation across a range of fields.

The two sides exchanged views on mechanisms to improve support for children and orphans and discussed initiatives concerning Syrian children living outside the country.

Family and social policies were also addressed, including the exchange of experience and expertise on legislation governing family affairs.

The talks reflected a broader effort to strengthen institutional cooperation between Türkiye and Syria in areas directly affecting families and vulnerable groups.

Women’s empowerment was another key issue on the agenda. The sides discussed measures to support women’s participation in social and economic life, alongside initiatives aimed at strengthening small businesses.

The exchange of expertise between the two countries is expected to contribute to the development of social policies and family-oriented programs, particularly as Syria works to address the consequences of years of conflict and displacement.

Türkiye has maintained close engagement with Syria on humanitarian, social and economic issues, with Ankara repeatedly emphasizing the importance of supporting Syria’s stability, territorial integrity and recovery.

The meeting between al-Droubi and Göktaş comes as Türkiye and Syria continue efforts to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in areas ranging from social services and humanitarian affairs to trade, security and reconstruction. (ILKHA)