Damascus, Jan. 10 (SANA) Michael Ohnmacht, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Syria, highlighted the significance of the visit by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—the first such visit since 2011.
In an interview with SANA, Ohnmacht described the visit as a historic and symbolic step reflecting the EU’s desire to build strategic relations with Syria and its interest in regional security, stability, and future prospects.
The EU diplomat noted that EU leaders’ meetings with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani covered recent developments, future cooperation, and trade, economic, and humanitarian issues.
Evolving EU-Syria Relations
Ohnmacht explained that EU-Syria relations have changed dramatically in recent years. After 14-years hiatus, relations have improved with steps such as the Syrian government’s first participation in the Ninth Brussels Conference and involvement in “Dialogue Day” with the EU last November.
The EU is committed to Syria’s reconstruction and early recovery, with a complete policy shift after 2024. Ohnmacht invited European investors to seize current opportunities Syria following the lift of Caesar Act, emphasizing the need for a secure and transparent environment. He cited recent economic delegations from Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and other countries, as well as European companies exploring the Syrian market.
Sovereignty and Stability
Regarding latest developments in Aleppo, Ohnmacht said that state control over the city strengthens Syrian sovereignty, stressing that stability requires respect for Syria’s sovereignty and implementation of the March 10 agreement. On recent Syrian-Israeli talks, he noted the EU supports any agreement that promotes stability while respecting Syria’s sovereignty. These negotiations are a step toward achieving broader stability in Syria and the region, he said, adding that any agreement should respect Syria’s sovereignty.
Support for Syrian Returnees
Ohnmacht reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting voluntary returns of Syrian refugees under safe and dignified conditions, with over €600 million in aid planned over the next two years to assist Syria.
He expressed hope that the EU delegation’s visit would strengthen cooperation and support Syria’s path toward stability and development.
The European Union, a political and economic bloc of 27 countries, promotes peace, cooperation, and prosperity through a single market, freedom of movement, and a common currency, working collectively on trade, foreign policy, and security.
