European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday, reaffirming the European Union’s strong commitment to Syria’s recovery, reconstruction, and civil peace after years of devastating conflict. The leaders emphasized the importance of regional partnerships and economic engagement to support the war-torn nation.
“In Damascus to meet President Al-Sharaa. After many years of war and suffering, the fall of the Assad regime finally offered some hope to the Syrian people. The EU is here to support Syria’s continued recovery,” Antonio Costa posted on X following the meeting. Ursula von der Leyen added that Europe will do everything possible to help Syrians rebuild their lives and institutions.
The visit to Damascus comes after the EU leaders participated in the first-ever EU-Jordan Summit, where they met King Abdullah II to review the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, signed a year ago. Both Costa and von der Leyen highlighted Jordan’s role as a key strategic partner in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
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During the Damascus discussions, the EU leaders pledged to deepen political ties, economic engagement, and support for infrastructure and social projects in Syria. They stressed that EU assistance would focus on promoting long-term stability, governance reforms, and sustainable development in the country.
Following the Syria visit, Costa and von der Leyen are scheduled to travel to Beirut to meet Lebanese President Michel Aoun. The agenda will focus on strengthening EU-Lebanon relations, with discussions on prosperity, security, and regional stability, underlining the EU’s broader commitment to the Middle East.
The European visit signals a renewed diplomatic focus on rebuilding trust and partnerships in the region, combining humanitarian aid, reconstruction assistance, and strategic engagement to foster peace and economic growth in Syria and its neighbors.
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