Homs Governor Meets Japanese Delegation to Advance Infrastructure Rebuilding and Health Cooperation

Visit Overview

Homs Governor Marhaf Khalid al-Naasan received a joint delegation from the Japanese Embassy in Syria and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation in recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and service-sector support across the governorate, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

The Japanese delegation included Deputy Head of Mission Akiko Nonaka, First Secretary Miho Miyawazono, and Second Secretary Kenji Hakoshima, alongside representatives from UN-Habitat.

Key Discussion Points

The meeting addressed the current state of public services and urban development needs in the city of Homs, with particular focus on infrastructure gaps and essential service delivery. Participants also emphasized the importance of advancing urban planning frameworks as a tool to address the long-term consequences of years of armed conflict.

Japanese-Funded Projects in Homs

Both sides reviewed a portfolio of projects funded by the Japanese government in Syria, spanning the health and infrastructure sectors. Key projects discussed include:

• Rehabilitation of Al-Rastan Bridge
• Support for Homs National Hospital
• Projects aimed at improving living conditions and service delivery in conflict-affected areas

Field Visit to Al-Bayadah District

On the sidelines of the meeting, the delegation visited Al-Bayadah district in Homs to inspect ongoing road-paving works carried out under a Japanese government-funded project implemented through UN-Habitat. The project aims to rehabilitate local infrastructure and raise service standards in neighborhoods affected by the conflict.

Statement by Deputy Head of Mission

Nonaka noted that the visit gave the delegation a direct appreciation of the scale of challenges facing the city, stressing the importance of close coordination with the Homs Governorate and City Council to ensure current projects are delivered effectively. She added that successful implementation would open the door to future projects supporting rebuilding efforts and improving services for all Syrians.