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Hope for Syrian People Seen by Costa - Von der Leyen Who Met al-Assad in Damascus

Published January 9, 2026, 13:23
Hope for Syrian People Seen by Costa - Von der Leyen Who Met al-Assad in Damascus

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Assad in Damascus. The meeting marks a turning point in European policy towards Syria, after years of war and hardship. Costa stated that the fall of the Assad regime has given some hope to the Syrian people, while Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe will support Syria's recovery and reconstruction. Both leaders acknowledged that Syria has traveled a long and difficult road towards hope and renewal. The visit to Syria is a stop on a broader tour of the region by Costa and Von der Leyen, which also includes Cyprus and Lebanon. In Cyprus, the two leaders attended the launch of the Cypriot presidency, while in Lebanon they will meet with President Joseph Aoun. The European initiative to re-engage with Syria aims to provide assistance and support to the Syrian people, as well as to promote stability and peace in the region.