EU High Representative Kaja Kallas visits Damascus for official talks

European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas conducted the first official EU visit to Damascus following the fall of the Assad regime. During meetings with Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Şeybani, discussions focused on normalizing bilateral relations, regional security, and Syria’s integration into the international community.

Kallas emphasized that attracting investment to Syria requires establishing security, the rule of law, transparent regulations, and functional institutions. She noted that the EU has provided 620 million euros to support recovery, humanitarian needs, and institutional strengthening. Kallas also stressed the importance of a safe, dignified, and permanent return for the approximately 1.8 million people who have returned from abroad, highlighting the need for housing, education, and healthcare.

Minister Şeybani highlighted efforts to integrate Syria into the international financial system between 2028 and 2030 and noted that the EU has already begun removing certain institutions from sanction lists. He also stated Syria’s intention to remain neutral in the conflict between the US and Iran and called for addressing the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights. Both parties indicated that high-level political dialogues are expected to continue, with a new meeting planned before next summer.