Doha:Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al Shaibani and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, have engaged in discussions to enhance Syria-EU relations and support stability, recovery, and reconstruction efforts in Syria. The talks also covered the evolving political and security landscape in the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Shaibani and Kallas announced plans to prepare a joint scope paper by the end of the first quarter of next year. This document will lay the groundwork for a new partnership agreement to replace the existing 1977 agreement. Additionally, it will aim to include Syria in the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034.
Al Shaibani urged the EU to adopt a firm stance against Israeli actions and to pressure Israel to withdraw its troops to the lines established on December 8, 2024. He emphasized that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory.
Kaja Kallas highlighted the significance of a successful political transition in Syria and acknowledged European efforts to normalize relations while supporting the banking sector, economy, recovery, and reconstruction. She announced that the EU would allocate a 60.2 million-Euro grant to aid recovery and strengthen institutions, signaling the EU's readiness to engage in new dialogue with Damascus before next summer and to increase investment in the region.