The EU and Syria meet to strengthen their relations and cooperation

Today, 11 May, the European Union and the Syrian Transitional Authorities will hold two high-level meetings in Brussels to strengthen relations between the EU and Syria and discuss ways to support Syria’s socio-economic recovery, reconstruction and long-term stability.

Following the fall of the Assad regime, the EU opened a new chapter in its relations with Syria, working with the Syrian Transitional Authorities and supporting the country’s political transition. As demonstrated by the recent visit of President Ursula von der Leyen and President Antonio Costa to Damascusin January, Syria is forging a path towards reconciliation and recovery. The EU stands ready to support this with a new framework for cooperation. The two high-level meetings on Monday therefore represent a milestone for bilateral cooperation.

A meeting of the Alliance for Syria Coordination Forum will take place in the morning. It will be attended by international representatives to coordinate efforts on aid, reconstruction and development. The meeting will be co-chaired by the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, and Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. Senior representatives from Member States, G7 countries, Arab countries, the United Nations and major financial organisations will also take part.

Later, following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas will co-chair the first EU-Syria High-Level Political Dialogue, alongside the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. This dialogue marks a strategic shift, moving from a crisis response to a long-term partnership based on a shared vision of stability, recovery and prosperity. The Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, and the Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness and Management, Hadja Lahbib, will also take part in the meeting.

These events will provide the EU with an opportunity to reaffirm its firm commitment to a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, a transition that reflects the aspirations of all Syrians and ensures long-term stability and prosperity for the country and the wider region.

More information: European Commission.