Cyprus Times

Hope for Syrian People Seen by Costa – Von der Leyen. Met with al-Assad

Published January 9, 2026, 12:11
Hope for Syrian People Seen by Costa – Von der Leyen. Met with al-Assad

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Assad in Damascus, expressing the EU's support for the Syrian people after years of war. Costa stated that the situation in Syria gives hope to the people, while von der Leyen emphasized the need for the country's recovery and reconstruction. The visit is part of a series of meetings that include Cyprus and Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced that it is closely monitoring developments in Syria and is ready to provide support if requested, reiterating Turkey's position on Syria's territorial integrity and the demilitarization of areas by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).