Brussels: Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Foreign Minister to the European Union, concluded a two-day visit to Brussels on 17th and 18th March 2025, representing the United Arab Emirates at the 9th Brussels Conference on 'Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference gathered EU institutions, key partner countries, the United Nations, other international organizations, and Syrian civil society to mobilize global support for an inclusive and peaceful transition in Syria. Participants pledged assistance to ensure sustained support for Syrians both within the country and across the region. Discussions focused on facilitating the voluntary large-scale return of refugees, aiming to reduce the burden on host communities without overwhelming Syria's limited support infrastructure.
In her remarks, Nusseibeh acknowledged the efforts of participating countries and organizations in pursuing a better future for Syria and the region. She emphasized the necessity of a fully inclusive transition process in Syria, highlighting the crucial role women must play in achieving sustainable peace. Nusseibeh stated the significance of women's active engagement in peace negotiations and the durability of post-conflict settlements.
Nusseibeh also underscored the importance of promoting tolerance and countering extremism and terrorism. She called for close cooperation to prevent terrorist groups from re-establishing a safe haven in Syria and condemned recent attacks on Syrian security forces and violence against civilians, advocating for accountability for perpetrators.
She reiterated the UAE's enduring support for the Syrian people, noting more than EUR 1.5bn in aid provided to Syrians and refugees in neighboring countries since the conflict's onset, including EUR 250m in the past two years. Nusseibeh reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to Syria's stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, urging Israel to adhere to international law and the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
In addition to participating in the conference, Nusseibeh engaged in discussions with EU officials, Members of the European Parliament, and senior diplomats from Europe and the Middle East.