Brussels Summit Welcomes First-Ever Syrian Government Representative

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani will be the first Syrian government representative to attend the donor summit in Brussels on March 17, 2025. This marks a notable change in the EU’s approach to Syria, as previous conferences excluded government representatives. The summit aims to mobilize support for a peaceful transition in Syria following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024.

On March 17, Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, will attend a donor summit in Brussels, marking the first formal participation of a Syrian government representative at this annual conference. A European official confirmed this significant event, which arises amid discussions regarding Syria’s involvement in the summit hosted by the European Union, aimed at mobilizing international support for a peaceful transition within the war-torn country.

Initial reports suggested that interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa might attend, but it was clarified that he is not expected to be present. This year’s conference is the first since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad in December and signifies a shift in the international community’s approach by recognizing Syria’s interim government through the attendance of Minister Shibani. Previously, the EU had only invited representatives from Syrian civil society without extending official invitations to the Syrian state.

The presence of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani at the upcoming Brussels summit signifies a pivotal moment in international relations regarding Syria. This attendance not only highlights a change in the EU’s stance towards the Syrian interim government but also aligns with ongoing efforts to garner international support for a peaceful resolution in Syria. As the first official representative to attend, Shibani’s participation could indicate a new phase in diplomatic engagement with Syria.

Original Source: www.jpost.com