Syrian President Al-Sharaa Meets Macron at EU Regional Meeting in Nicosia
Al-Sharaa discussed regional stability and international cooperation with EU leaders during the informal meeting.
In Nicosia, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of an informal gathering of EU heads of state and regional partners.
The meeting took place in the presence of Syria's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, as part of Syria's participation in the event hosted at the Filoxenia Conference Center.
Al-Sharaa addressed the proceedings, emphasizing the need for enhanced regional stability and intensified international coordination to address common challenges.
Following the meeting, EU leaders expressed their commitment to building closer ties with Syria.
European Council President Antonio Costa acknowledged Syria's efforts towards rebuilding the country, stating that the EU supports these initiatives towards a peaceful and inclusive Syria.
This development marks another step in the evolving relationship between Brussels and Damascus since the ousting of Bashar Assad in December 2024.
The EU and Syria are preparing for a new round of talks scheduled to take place in Brussels on May 11, which is expected to lay the groundwork for a possible future association agreement.
This move reflects the EU's efforts to bolster Syria as it seeks to rebuild after the civil war.
In January, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €620-million financial support package aimed at supporting Syria's economic revival and societal reconciliation.
Additionally, the EU has lifted economic sanctions in its ongoing support for the Syrian authorities.
During the meeting, French President Macron discussed the EU's common defense clause under Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the EU, which requires member countries to come to the defense of any attacked EU nation.
Macron compared this clause to NATO's Article 5, stating that it is 'stronger' in its commitment to mutual defense among member states.
This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts towards regional stability and international cooperation in addressing common challenges, as well as the evolving dynamics between Syria and European nations.
The meeting took place in the presence of Syria's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, as part of Syria's participation in the event hosted at the Filoxenia Conference Center.
Al-Sharaa addressed the proceedings, emphasizing the need for enhanced regional stability and intensified international coordination to address common challenges.
Following the meeting, EU leaders expressed their commitment to building closer ties with Syria.
European Council President Antonio Costa acknowledged Syria's efforts towards rebuilding the country, stating that the EU supports these initiatives towards a peaceful and inclusive Syria.
This development marks another step in the evolving relationship between Brussels and Damascus since the ousting of Bashar Assad in December 2024.
The EU and Syria are preparing for a new round of talks scheduled to take place in Brussels on May 11, which is expected to lay the groundwork for a possible future association agreement.
This move reflects the EU's efforts to bolster Syria as it seeks to rebuild after the civil war.
In January, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €620-million financial support package aimed at supporting Syria's economic revival and societal reconciliation.
Additionally, the EU has lifted economic sanctions in its ongoing support for the Syrian authorities.
During the meeting, French President Macron discussed the EU's common defense clause under Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the EU, which requires member countries to come to the defense of any attacked EU nation.
Macron compared this clause to NATO's Article 5, stating that it is 'stronger' in its commitment to mutual defense among member states.
This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts towards regional stability and international cooperation in addressing common challenges, as well as the evolving dynamics between Syria and European nations.
