Damascus: EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib announced a 235 million euro aid package for Syria and neighboring countries during a press conference in Damascus. This marks the first visit by a senior EU official since Bashar al-Assad's ouster.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the announcement comes in the wake of visits by foreign ministers from France and Germany, who have been advocating for a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria. Lahbib's visit is part of a broader engagement strategy by several countries toward Syria's new authorities.
Lahbib stated that the aid package will address fundamental needs such as shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, health care, education, and emergencies. The funding aims to support both Syria and its neighboring countries, which have been hosting millions of Syrian refugees.
Lahbib emphasized the importance of ensuring unrestricted and safe access for humanitarian actors across all regions of Syria, including hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas in the east. She noted that the coming days and months are pivotal, suggesting that the decisions made during this period will have significant implications for the region.