Al-Shibani Emphasizes Syria's Solidarity with Gulf and Jordanian Brothers Against Iranian Aggression

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani received Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at Tishrin Palace in Damascus.

Kallas emphasized that “the success of the transition in Syria is of great importance to Europe,” viewing recent European moves as political signals aimed at normalizing relations with Syria. In a joint press conference with al-Shaybani, she revealed that the European Union aims to mobilize further investments and enhance its partnership with Syria.

For his part, al-Shaybani announced that the two sides discussed numerous files pertaining to relations with the EU, particularly the high-level political dialogue launched last year, thanking Kallas for her first visit to Syria in 15 years.

Emphasizing Syria’s solidarity with its Gulf and Jordanian brothers in the face of Iranian aggression, the Foreign Minister stressed that the security and stability of his country are an integral part of Europe’s security, and rejected any notion of Syria becoming a platform for aggression or a space for settling scores.

He noted that the EU adopted the slogan “actions before words” in its relations with Syria in 2024, taking important steps in this direction over recent months. He pointed out that on May 18, the EU removed several government entities from its sanctions lists, including the Ministries of Defense and Interior. Additionally, the Commission participated in early September in a workshop on the National Framework for Return and Awareness, coinciding with the launch of a technical support platform for Syrian institutions, as part of a series of European steps to support Syria.

Minister al-Shaybani added: “We have closed the chapter on weapons of mass destruction, restored our full rights in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and closed the notorious file imposed by the ousted regime on Syria at the International Atomic Energy Agency, opening a new chapter befitting Syria and its people.”

He continued: “We worked toward a comprehensive political transition through the convening of the People’s Council last July, and consolidated national unity by integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions on the basis of equal citizenship. We have been active partners in combating transnational crime, and fought illegal migration, drugs, and human trafficking.”

The minister added: “We seek to elevate cooperation to a strategic commitment by including Syria in the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework from 2028 to 2034.”

He noted that Syria is moving forward toward the voluntary and dignified return of its citizens, reiterating his rejection of Syria becoming a platform for aggression or a space for settling scores.

Al-Shaybani reaffirmed Syria’s firm position regarding sanctions that hinder recovery, supporting their retention against symbols of the ousted regime, while firmly calling for their removal from Syrian state institutions.