Department of Research, Studies and International News13-02-2025

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, is preparing to take part in a major international summit in Paris, where Western and regional powers will gather to discuss Syria’s future political transition, humanitarian assistance, and economic reconstruction. The conference, hosted by France, is expected to bring together high-level representatives from several influential nations, reflecting the global community’s renewed engagement with Syria after more than a decade of conflict.

Syria’s First High-Profile Engagement with the EU in Years

This visit marks al-Shaibani’s first official diplomatic engagement in the European Union since the downfall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. His presence in Paris signals a significant shift in Syria’s international relations, as it follows his recent participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year. His delegation’s visit is being closely watched by both allies and skeptics, given its potential to influence Syria’s reintegration into the global diplomatic arena.

French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to address the summit, which is expected to commence at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time (13:30 GMT) on Thursday. Macron’s participation underscores France’s active role in shaping the discussions around Syria’s transition, international cooperation, and economic recovery.

The conference will see attendance from representatives of the Group of Seven (G7) nations, which include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. These countries have played significant roles in shaping policies on Syria over the years, particularly regarding sanctions, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic negotiations.

Additionally, high-level envoys from Syria’s neighboring country, Türkiye, are expected to be present. Türkiye had previously supported the coalition that facilitated al-Assad’s removal from power. Several Gulf states, which have shown varying degrees of support for Syria’s transitional government, will also take part in the discussions. The presence of these key actors highlights the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring a stable and secure future for Syria.

Objectives of the Summit: Political Transition, Economic Recovery, and Justice

The primary focus of the summit will be to coordinate efforts toward a peaceful political transition that guarantees Syria’s sovereignty and long-term security. The French Foreign Ministry emphasized that the conference seeks to mobilize Syria’s main regional and international partners to ensure effective coordination in providing humanitarian aid and economic assistance.

A crucial element of the discussions will be transitional justice and the fight against impunity. With Syria emerging from years of brutal conflict and decades of authoritarian rule, there is an urgent need for mechanisms to ensure accountability for past human rights violations. In an open letter addressed to European Union member states, Human Rights Watch stressed the importance of making reconstruction efforts inclusive. The organization urged Syrian authorities to respect fundamental rights and engage civil society in the rebuilding process.

“After 13 years of war and prolonged authoritarian governance, it is vital that transitional Syrian authorities, with the support of international partners and organizations, ensure that reconstruction is comprehensive and respects fundamental freedoms. Syrian civil society must be actively involved in shaping the country’s future,” the letter stated.

Lifting of Sanctions: A Key Issue at the Summit

This conference is the third of its kind since al-Assad’s ousting in December, following previous summits in Aqaba and Riyadh. While the gathering does not aim to serve as a fundraising platform, those efforts will be reserved for an annual pledging conference in Brussels next month, one of the most pressing topics on the agenda will be the easing of sanctions on Syria.

The European Union has taken initial steps toward lifting certain restrictions, particularly in sectors critical to economic recovery. However, full sanctions relief remains stalled due to opposition from some EU member states, notably Cyprus and Greece. Their concerns stem from ongoing negotiations over maritime border disputes between Syria and Türkiye.

Syria’s interim government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been working to assure both Syrians and the international community that it is committed to a peaceful, democratic transition. In a recent announcement, al-Sharaa was officially recognized as the country’s leader for the transitional phase, reinforcing his administration’s pledges to uphold minority rights and foster political inclusivity.

One of the Syrian interim government’s key priorities has been lobbying Western powers to ease financial sanctions, particularly those affecting the banking and energy sectors. The country’s war-ravaged economy is in dire need of revitalization, with millions of Syrians displaced and infrastructure severely damaged. Without access to global financial systems, Syria’s ability to rebuild remains significantly constrained.

Efforts to lift restrictions have gained momentum in recent weeks. On January 27, EU foreign ministers agreed to gradually ease sanctions, starting with key industries such as energy. This decision followed a similar move by the United States, which temporarily lifted sanctions on fuel and electricity donations to Syria for a six-month period.

As the Paris summit unfolds, all eyes will be on how international leaders navigate the complex issues surrounding Syria’s recovery. The outcomes of this conference could shape the country’s trajectory for years to come, determining whether Syria will be able to successfully transition into a stable, inclusive, and economically viable state.