Damascus: EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib announced on Friday a pound 235 million aid package for Syria as she met in Damascus with Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of the new administration in the war-torn country. It was the first visit of an EU commissioner to the country since the fall of the Assad regime last month.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lahbib stated on X that she had a 'cordial comprehensive meeting' with Al-Sharaa regarding the geopolitical situation in Syria and the broader region. She emphasized the EU's commitment to supporting Syria's needs, stating, 'Here to see the needs of the people continue our support.' Lahbib further added that the EU's message was clear: 'The future of Syria belongs to ALL Syrians. Governance needs to be inclusive. I will report back to EU ministers on the reassuring messages I heard from the authorities.'

The meeting is part of a series of visits by Arab, regional, international, and UN delegations to understand the vision of the new Syrian administration. This ongoing dialogue seeks to align international support with the administration's goals for rebuilding and stabilization.

An EU statement outlined that the funding will provide emergency assistance, including food, medical aid, essential health services, shelter solutions, cash transfers, and educational support to children. These efforts aim to address the immediate humanitarian needs exacerbated by years of conflict.

Bashar al-Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on December 8, ending the Baath Party's regime, which had been in power since 1963. The new administration has called for the lifting of sanctions to recover from the effects of nearly 14 years of civil war.