ROME, MARCH 29 – The Italian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marina Sereni, met today in Rome the United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Imran Riza. Talks focused on the prospects for the political process, the humanitarian emergency, UN and Italy’s cooperation activities in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in support of the population.
Mr. Riza offered its sincere thanks to Italy for its consistent and flexible support to address the needs of Syrians who continue to face growing needs. “Very useful discussions on ways ahead at this very difficult time”, he said after the meeting on Twitter.
Mr. Riza brings over 30 years of international experience across the UN System, mainly in field settings. He was appointed at his current post in September 2019, prior to that, he was in Lebanon for five years as UNIFIL’s Deputy Head of Mission and Director of the Division of Political Affairs, Civil Affairs and Strategic Communications. In that position he worked hand in hand with the Head of Missions Paolo Serra and Luciano Portolano.
Prior to joining UNIFIL, he served as the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, and the UNHCR Representative for Jordan. Mr. Riza has also held positions with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome and as Senior Advisor to the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, and later to the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon. With UNHCR, He has also served at Geneva HQ and in Sudan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. (@OnuItalia)