Summary
Coordination Meeting minutes of the 30 April 2026 meeting
Content
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LOCATION |
Damascus |
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CHAIR |
Logistics Sector Coordinator |
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PARTICIPANTS |
ADRA, AVSI, DHL, General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Emergency NGO, French Red Cross, GOAL, HULO, Intersos, Medair, Mentor Initiative, Medicines Sans Frontieres, Première Urgence Internationale (PUI), Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), TDH Italy, Un Ponte Per, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), We World, World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO). |
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AGENDA |
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ACTION POINTS |
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Regional Situation Updates
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The Regional Cluster team presented the Supply Route Snapshot, which includes key situational updates and information on shipping and port access, airspace status, and fuel. The document was developed based on inputs from partners. Partners are encouraged to share their updates at MiddleEastCrisis.LogsCoord@wfp.org to ensure the snapshot remains accurate.
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Additionally, the updated regional LOGIE map is available to support partners with their operational planning.
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Syria Status Updates
PHYSICAL ACCESS UPDATES
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Border crossing points with Lebanon: Masnaa border crossing is fully operational and handling cargo at full capacity. Jousieh crossing is also open, primarily facilitating civilian movements; however, it may serve as a potential alternative route for cargo. Arida crossing remains open for pedestrian movements only and continues to undergo maintenance works. Aboudeyyeh crossing is still under rehabilitation, with partners reporting it is expected to become operational by mid-summer 2026.
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Borders crossing points with Iraq: Fishkhabour remains the primary border crossing point for cargo movements. Al Walid crossing is open and fully operational. Al‑Yaroubiyah is also open; however, operations continue at limited capacity. Nisibis border crossing remains closed.
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Ports and airports: Lattakia and Tartus ports remain operational. Aleppo and Damascus airports are operational, while Qamishly and Deir Ez‑Zor airports are under rehabilitation and remain closed. UNHAS flights within Syria resumed on 13 April, flights schedule and booking are available on Booking Hub.
Partners are encouraged to keep reporting on the LOGIE platform for the latest physical access updates.
LOGISTICS SECTOR ACTIVITIES
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The Logistics Sector has initiated the Logistics Capacity Assessment (LCA) in Syria, the exercise to be finalized in May and will be posted on the LCA dedicated page. LCA compiles essential information on a country’s logistics infrastructure and services to support emergency response planning. It covers key supply chain elements, such as ports, airports, transport networks, storage, and handling, and identifies potential bottlenecks that may affect humanitarian operations, particularly in high‑risk or critical contexts.
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The Importation Working Group, in collaboration with IMPACCT and humanitarian partners, have begun mapping importation challenges and existing procedures. The final output will be an advocacy note for the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), outlining a clear roadmap for the importation process, designated focal points, and streamlined communication channels.
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Humanitarian Storage Capacity Survey is ongoing and will be shared with partners.
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OCHA Access Updates
HUMANITARIAN SHIPMENTS TO NORTH- EAST SYRIA
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OCHA will continue to support humanitarian shipments from Damascus to Qamishli and Raqqa governorates, if required, with the International Cooperation Department going forward.
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Partners are encouraged to align their requests and communication accordingly.
USE OF FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR UN AGENCIES AND NGOS
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Commercial Bank of Syria (CBS) approved the request for a six-months extension of the use of USD (foreign currencies) for UN agencies and NGOs, starting 19 April.
MOFA PROCEDURES RELATED TO HUMANITARIAN ACCESS
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All processes related to visas, humanitarian shipments and field movements will now be handled by the International Cooperation Department (the International Organization Department handed over that responsibility). Partners are advised to contact the Department via visa.org.ngos@mofaex.gov.sy or via the website.
INGO REGISTRATION
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The International Organization Department will retain responsibility solely for the registration files of international NGOs (INGOs). INGOs are advised to contact the Department (via ingos@mofaex.gov.sy).
All contact emails remain the same as prior to the change in focal point.
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ECHO presentation
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DG ECHO introduced its ReliefEU Capacities services, expertise and stockpiles available to partners. Stockpiles are available free of charge to DG ECHO partners with active contracts. Partners are encouraged to contact DG ECHO via: ECHO-RELIEFEU@ec.europa.eu
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DG ECHO’s EU Humanitarian Air Bridge (EUHAB) introduced and its services to Cluster partners. EUHAB flights are based on needs and requests. EUHAB flights previously operated in Syria in 2023.
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Partners are responsible for onward cargo transportation, cargo insurance and customs clearance once the cargo reaches its official destination.
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Partners who wish to participate in EUHAB services are asked to submit their transportation needs and request on the Hulo Platform or via euhab@hulo.coop.
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CONTACTS
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Cholpon Tursunalieva |
Logistics Sector Coordinator |
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Najd Al Chaar |
Logistics Associate |
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