Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, marking the first visit of this rank to Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

On Friday, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Union President Antonio Costa in Damascus. This is the first visit by high-ranking EU officials to Syria since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad at the end of 2024. The visit comes in the context of a recent ceasefire announced in Aleppo, following clashes between the Syrian army and Kurdish fighters.

The European Union and Jordan have emphasized their commitment to supporting a peaceful transition in Syria. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who is seeking to expand his authority, faces international pressure to protect minorities in the country. Additionally, the EU has lifted economic sanctions imposed on the Assad regime and has committed to providing 2.5 billion euros in aid for the reconstruction of Syria over the next two years.