With European Support, "Syrian Civil Society Dialogue Day" Kicks Off in Damascus

ARK News.. For the first time inside Syria since its launch nine years ago in Brussels, the “Syrian Civil Society Dialogue Day” began at the Conference Palace in Damascus, in cooperation between the Syrian government and the European Union.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said in his opening remarks that the event marks the starting point of a “strong and renewed” partnership between the state and civil society, emphasizing the pivotal role of Syria’s partners in the European Union.

The Syrian foreign minister added that civil society is not a new phenomenon, but rather an extension of unions and grassroots initiatives that endured through the most difficult circumstances.

In the first European comment from inside Damascus, Michael Unmacht, Chargé d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Syria, said on the platform X that he looks forward to hearing the concerns, priorities, and hopes of the Syrian civil society representatives participating in the event.

Meanwhile, from Brussels, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stated that the event reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country after decades of dictatorship, confirming the allocation of €2.5 billion to support reconstruction efforts.

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