Syria and the European Union discussed plans for a new agreement and support for Syria’s recovery on Tuesday, as Damascus called on the bloc to demand the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces to the lines of Dec. 8, 2024, SANA reports.
Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, outlined their positions at a joint press conference at Tishreen Palace in Damascus.
Al-Shaibani said the two sides aimed to prepare a joint scoping paper by the end of the first quarter of 2027 as a step toward an agreement to replace their 1977 accord. Syria also sought inclusion in the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, he said.
Kallas said the EU had begun providing €60.2 million to support Syria’s recovery and strengthen its institutions. The European Investment Bank was considering support for infrastructure that forms the backbone of the Syrian economy, she said.
She said the EU had reactivated its cooperation agreement with Syria and wanted to mobilize more investment, support the banking system and contribute to reconstruction. Further discussions on the two sides’ high-level political dialogue were expected before next summer, she added.
Kallas also said discussions were under way on how to fund organizations seeking to carry out projects in Syria.
