FM Fidan, EU Commissioner Lahbib discuss Syria recovery, Türkiye-EU cooperation
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and European Union (EU) Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib hold a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye on January 20, 2025. (AA Photo)
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of Syria’s economic recovery and the safe return of millions of displaced refugees during a meeting with European Union Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib.
The officials discussed regional developments and Türkiye-EU relations during their meeting in Ankara.
Our goal is that Syria will be free from sanctions in the new period, that it will have a normal economy, that the economic environment and reconstruction and development will get better and better, and that our millions of displaced refugee brothers and sisters will be able to return to their homes in peace and security. And we will continue to work with them on this.
FM Hakan Fidan
Focus on Syria’s reconstruction and refugee returns
“Our goal is to help Syria transition into a sanctions-free, normal economy and foster reconstruction and redevelopment. This would allow millions of displaced refugees to return to their homes in a secure and dignified manner,” Fidan said at a joint press conference.
Lahbib, who had also visited Syria, highlighted Türkiye’s crucial role in aiding humanitarian efforts and managing the aftermath of the region’s crises.
There is geopolitical turmoil in the region, and it is very important for the EU to work together with Türkiye. In this context, it is important for us to respond adequately to the situation here and to transfer the relief efforts of the international community.
Türkiye’s steps and support for refugees over the years have been vital. The EU has also provided and continues to provide great support in this context.
The humanitarian crisis continues to affect millions of Syrians, and the EU will continue to work to alleviate this suffering and meet people’s basic needs.
Türkiye has a very big role to play in setting up humanitarian corridors. It plays a very important role for the EU in delivering emergency aid to Syria.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib
Türkiye’s contributions highlighted by EU Commissioner
“Türkiye remains a key EU candidate country and an essential partner,” Lahbib said, praising Türkiye’s active role in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
She noted that Türkiye has been instrumental in creating humanitarian corridors for delivering emergency aid to Syria.
Lahbib also announced that the EU has allocated €235 million ($243.4 million) to aid for Syria, focusing on addressing critical needs and reducing suffering in the war-torn country.
Discussions extend to Gaza cease-fire and regional issues
The meeting also touched on the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Lahbib stressed the importance of maintaining the truce to ensure the continuation of humanitarian aid and the release of all captives.
“Türkiye’s years of support for Syrian refugees have been invaluable,” Lahbib said, commending the nation’s generosity and efforts to host millions of displaced individuals since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
So that all prisoners can be released and humanitarian aid can continue to be delivered to Gaza so that this human tragedy, this human suffering can end.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib
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