Brussels, Belgium – The European Council has officially announced a historic high-level visit to the Syrian capital Damascus next Friday, January 9, headed by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a move that represents a fundamental shift in the course of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the new Syria.
Summit meeting and discussions on cooperation
The top European delegation is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani before holding a summit meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This visit, Ursula von der Leyen’s first since the fall of the previous regime, underscores Brussels’ recognition of the transitional phase and its support for the new Syrian institutions.
Regional tour and strategic dimensions
The visit is part of a broader regional tour of the Middle East, during which the two European officials will participate in the EU-Jordan summit on Thursday, January 8, before heading to Damascus. The tour also includes the Lebanese capital, Beirut. This initiative aims to consolidate regional stability and integrate Syria into the international community.
Implementing the outcomes of the New York Summit
This visit is a practical step following the meeting between President Ahmed al-Sharaa and European leaders in New York last September, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Both sides are now working to translate the initial understandings into concrete action plans to support the recovery process.
