Riyadh (Brussle Morning Newspaper) – EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels at the end of the month to discuss the lifting of sanctions on Syria.
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas told journalists on her way into the Riyadh discussions on Syria,
We are working towards really being able to have decisions at that time whether we are able to do so.
Regarding the arrangement in Riyadh, in her post on X, she further mentioned that there are both hopes and challenges in Syria. She stated that in Riyadh, she would be engaging with the Foreign Ministers from the Gulf States, the Middle East, and Europe on the transition since the fall of the Assad regime.
She emphasized the importance of Syria’s Hassan al-Shibani being present and indicated that they would be discussing ways to ease sanctions. However, she noted that this must follow tangible progress in a political transition that reflects Syria’s diversity. She also highlighted that the EU is present to assist in this transition where it is needed and can be most helpful.
There are both hope and challenges in Syria.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 12, 2025
Today in Riyadh, I will exchange with the Foreign Ministers from the Gulf States, the Middle East and Europe on the transition since the fall of the Assad regime.
It is important that Syria’s Hassan al-Shibani is here too. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Am3Fq76Nua
A few days ago, on January 10, 2025, Kaja Kallas said that the EU could start easing sanctions imposed on Syria in case the new leadership there takes concrete steps toward forming an inclusive government and protecting minority rights. She underscored that easing of sanctions will be dependent upon “tangible progress” the Syrian authorities have made. Kallas made these remarks after a meeting of Western nations in Rome, which discussed Syria’s political transition and the potential for international support.
Significance of Riyadh Talks:
The Riyadh meeting had all the right participants, such as foreign ministers from Arab states, Turkey, and representatives from the EU and UN, and this wide participation seems to show international interest in the stabilization of Syria and its humanitarian crisis.
The discussion further points out that international support will be required for Syria’s rehabilitation from the civil war years, which has brought tremendous humanitarian challenges. Sanctions were initially implemented after the brutal crackdown on protests in 2011 by Assad, leading to an extended civil conflict. The new leadership, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, is advocating for relief from sanctions to aid in the recovery process.
