The European Union is strengthening its rapprochement with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, as European leaders hosted Al-Sharaa along with a number of leaders of Middle Eastern countries in Cyprus on Friday. Brussels is preparing to host the first high-level political dialogue between Syria and the European Union on May 11, paving the way for a possible future partnership agreement.

Published on: 04/24/2026 - 21:15

On Friday, European leaders hosted Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa along with a number of leaders of Middle Eastern countries in Cyprus. The step, which shows a rapprochement with Sharaa, came ahead of a high-level meeting between the European Union and Syria, to be held next May 11 in Brussels.

European Council President Antonio Costa told reporters, "The European Union recognizes the important steps you have taken to rebuild Syria. We support your efforts to make Syria safe and inclusive."

Brussels is preparing to host the first high-level political dialogue between Syria and the European Union on May 11, paving the way for a possible future partnership agreement.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "We will continue to support the recovery of the Syrian economy and the reconciliation of society."

"The biggest event"

For his part, Al-Sharaa welcomed the "biggest event" in Brussels that would "consolidate Syria's role as a strategic partner" for Europe.

Read also: The European Union proposes a full resumption of the cooperation agreement with Syria signed in 1978

Before assuming the leadership of Syria, Ahmed Al-Sharaa was at the head of an alliance of Islamic factions that overthrew the rule of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Since then, he has made several visits seeking to return Syria to the international arena.

On the sidelines of the European Union summit on Friday, in addition to Shara, Nicosia hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah to discuss the war in the Middle East with European Union leaders.

France 24/AFP

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