Al-Sharaa Hails EU Sanctions Lift as “Historic,” Costa Congratulates

(MENAFN) European Council President Antonio Costa extended congratulations to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday following the European Union’s announcement to lift economic sanctions on Syria, describing the move as a “real opportunity for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.”

According to a Syrian news agency, al-Sharaa received a phone call from Costa during which he expressed gratitude to both Costa and EU member nations for the decision. He called it “a historic step that will contribute to moving the country toward a more stable future,” and emphasized the crucial role of international backing during this phase, the news agency reported.

Al-Sharaa also pointed to ongoing Israeli actions, stating that Israeli interventions “continue to affect Syria, affirming the need for the EU to stand by Syria” to help bring them to an end.

In addition, the Syrian president encouraged investment from European businesses, stating that “the country today represents a promising investment opportunity and an important economic corridor between East and West,” the agency added.

Costa, expressing his support for Syria’s leadership, conveyed interest in visiting Damascus and affirmed his confidence in President al-Sharaa.

“I have stressed in the call that yesterday’s EU decision to lift economic sanctions on Syria represents a real opportunity for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction,” Costa posted on X.

The EU announced on Tuesday it would end its economic sanctions on Syria in an effort to aid the Syrian people in rebuilding after more than ten years of civil war.

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