EU presidents meet Syrian President in NY

(MENAFN) On Tuesday, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, according to reports.

In a joint statement shared on social media, the EU officials described the meeting as a "good exchange" focused on the difficulties Syria is facing during its transition.

They reaffirmed the European Union’s position in support of "a genuine, inclusive, peaceful and Syrian-led transition, free from harmful foreign interference."

"We are committed to increasing our political dialogue, meeting immediate humanitarian needs and supporting the socio-economic recovery and reconstruction of Syria," the statement added.

Syria’s leadership changed course last December when Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled for nearly a quarter of a century, fled to Russia, ending decades of Ba’ath Party dominance. In January, a transitional government led by al-Sharaa was installed.

Since then, the new administration has launched political and economic reforms, encouraged social unity, and sought closer cooperation with both regional neighbors and the wider international community.

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