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World
The European Council has adopted a decision ending the partial suspension of its cooperation agreement with Syria, restoring full trade relations.
The European Council announced on Monday that it has adopted a decision ending the partial suspension of the cooperation agreement between the European Economic Community and Syria, thereby restoring full trade relations with the country. The announcement came during the EU-Syria Partnership Coordination Forum, which was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.
The Council described the decision as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the European Union and Syria. In a statement, it said the move "sends a clear political signal of the EU's commitment to re-engaging with Syria and supporting its economic recovery."
European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, revealed at the forum that work is underway to implement a financial package worth €175 million. She added that a second package of €180 million will be provided this year as part of supporting the Syrian government in reconstruction and recovery efforts, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA.
Šuica emphasized that this funding will help open investments in both the public and private sectors and will encourage European banks. She noted that the step is crucial for Syria, which is seeking to rebuild and provide services to facilitate the return of refugees.
The European Commission stated it is working to facilitate the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees. It added that it will organize an investment conference at the end of this year to support Syria and the return of refugees.
