Minister al-Shaibani: Syria is prepared to engage with Europe as economic and political partner

Damascus, SANA-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani, affirmed Syria’s readiness to engage with European institutions and EU member states, and its openness to dialogue and investment.

Minister al-Shaibani pointed out that Syria wants to be a strong economic and political partner, not a region dependent on aid. The Syrian people have suffered enough, and it is time to build their own future.

“The EU was one of the first partners to engage in supporting Syria after its liberation, in a courageous stance that began with the lifting of sanctions. We appreciate the significant support provided to Syrians through emergency humanitarian aid during the years of war. The European Union has hosted several conferences on Syria over the years, and this year, for the first time, the Syrian government itself was present, a government representing its people and their interests at a historic moment and a turning point. We are closely following with hope how the pledges made at that conference will be implemented on the ground to directly support the Syrian people.” During a press conference on Wednesday with European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica at Tishreen Palace in Damascus, Minister al-Shaibani said.

The Foreign Minister noted the vital role played by the EU in supporting Syrian refugees during the years of war. Host countries, NGOs, municipalities, and individuals in Europe welcomed those in need as Syria suffered under Assad’s regime. These humanitarian stances will never be forgotten.

He added: “While we extend our hands for cooperation, we must clearly point out the threats we face, which are driven and supported by external parties. There are areas that, to this day, are subjected to repeated attacks by armed groups and remnants of the former regime, terrorizing civilians, targeting security forces, and brutally claiming lives. In any other country, these acts would be immediately classified as terrorist attacks.”

Minister al-Shaibani explained that the Syrian forces are fulfilling their duty in pursuing these elements and limiting their ability to threaten civilians and the country’s security; this requires international partners, primarily the European Union, to support Syria in its efforts to protect its security and stability.

The Foreign Minister stressed that Syria today is a sovereign state with a new government, accountable to its citizens, transparent in its commitments, and open to international cooperation based on mutual respect.

Minister al-Shaibani expressed Syria’s readiness to engage with European institutions and EU member states and its openness to dialogue, investment, knowledge exchange, and participation in transitional justice processes.

He affirmed that the era of isolation is over, and Syria wants to be a strong economic and political partner, not a region dependent on aid and viewed with pity. The Syrian people have suffered enough, and it is time to build their own future.

“The relationship between Syria and Europe cannot be viewed solely in terms of refugees. Syria possesses cultural, religious, historical, and civilizational diversity that connects it to the world through many channels. We want our relationship with the European Union to be a humanitarian, political, and economic one, and the refugee issue is part of that. Syria belongs to all Syrians, and this is their country, and they are welcome. However, based on our responsibility as a government, we must provide the appropriate environment for their return.” The Foreign Minister said.

He added that in recent months, we have focused on lifting sanctions, as this is the key that will enable us to create an environment in which health, education, hospitals, and the labor market are available, ensuring the smooth return of Syrians.

Minister al-Shaibani stated that the repeated Israeli aggressions are not merely violations of international law but rather coordinated provocations aimed at undermining Syria’s progress and stability and opening the way for outlaw groups to exploit this chaos.

He pointed out that Syria does not seek war, but rather reconstruction, and is committed to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. He called on all parties, especially the European Union, to ensure respect for this agreement in word and deed.

“We have been warning since the beginning of Syria’s liberation that failure to implement the 1974 agreement would lead to chaos, because interference in Syria’s internal affairs encourages groups to rebel against a state emerging from a 14-year war and a country where weapons are widely available. From the beginning, we began the process of organizing weapons under the umbrella of the army. There cannot be armed groups outside official institutions, and what happened in southern Syria hindered this mission.”The Foreign Minister added.

He pointed out that the accuracy of the published reports about Israeli forces shelling the occupied Syrian Golan Heights yesterday from within Syrian territory has not been verified.

Minister al-Shaibani added that Syria holds the international community and the United Nations fully responsible for not pressuring the Israeli side to implement the 1974 agreement, to which Syria has repeatedly declared its commitment and readiness to implement and protect the mission of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). He warned that any chaos in Syria will lead to chaos in the region, Syria is an essential part of regional security, and any party in the region that wants its security and stability must push for Syria’s security and stability.

For her part, European Commissioner, Dubravka Šuica, said: “Thank you very much for inviting me to Damascus. I extend my sincere thanks to His Excellency President Ahmad al-Sharaa and to Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani for receiving me today. There is no doubt that this is a pivotal moment in Syria’s history. After 14 years of pain, suffering, and displacement, a transitional process is underway under new Syrian leadership. We hope that the political process will be smooth and include all Syrians so that Syria can enjoy peace.”

She added, “My message today is clear: just as we have supported the Syrian people over the past 14 years, we continue to support them today in the new Syria. The European Union has lifted all sanctions to help with reconstruction, because economic recovery is essential for stability.”

the Commissioner noted that the return of refugees requires providing the services and goods Syrians need, and that the European Union has allocated 175 million euros to assist the Syrian people in the areas of health, education, technology, and agriculture.

The European Commissioner explained that the EU supports human rights, transitional justice, institutions, and civil society, and is working to restore Syria to its status as a southern neighbor of the Union. The first program in this restoration is the Erasmus+ study program, which gives young students the opportunity to become future leaders. Syria has been invited to participate in the meeting of ministers concerned with the Mediterranean Charter this month.

She indicated that the European Union will work to assist Syrian refugees in their voluntary and safe return. Every Syrian has the right to return to their country and rebuild it, and all Syrians must participate in this process.

“As I toured the palace corridors, I was inspired by the resilient and strong spirit of the Syrian people, despite the circumstances. Another thing that inspired me was the resilience of Syrian civil society, “The European Commissioner said.

She added: “There is no doubt that the financial aid could have been delivered through bank transfers and other means, but I chose to come here, stand among you, and express the European Union’s message of assistance and support for the Syrian people. I wanted my message from Damascus to be clear.”

The European official noted that the work over the past six months has been intensive and extensive, and the achievements are real. However, reconstruction is a long process that requires time. She explained that she had spoken about this matter with the President of the Republic, and that there would be an opportunity for Syria to enjoy prosperity and stability.

The European Commissioner explained that EU countries are in the process of concluding bilateral agreements with Syria in the fields of digitization, human resources, energy, technology, and other areas, noting that she will work to encourage European companies to invest in Syria.

She pointed out that the European Union has provided approximately €34 billion in aid to the Syrian people since 2011 and continues to provide assistance to ensure that Syria is a safe country for its citizens to return to. She indicated that European emergency aid will not cease.

“Our position regarding Israeli aggressions on Syrian territory is clear: We are against any violations of international law.”the European official said.

MHD Ibrahim