The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Konstantinos Kombos, paid a one-day visit to Damascus on Thursday, 20 February, 2025.

During his visit, the Foreign Minister met with the transitional leader of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr Ahmed Al-Shaara, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mr Assad Hassan al-Shaybani.

According to a statement from the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the purpose of the visit was to reinforce the international community’s message in favour of a smooth and inclusive political transition in Syria.

Discussions with the country’s transitional leadership were of particular significance ahead of the scheduled debate at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels next week, where the situation in Syria and the next steps will be assessed, the statement added.

As a neighboring country and the closest EU member state, Cyprus actively demonstrates its support for the Syrian people in their pursuit of prosperity, stability, and security, both for Syria and the wider region, the Foreign Ministry noted.

The Ministry further emphasised that the Syrian people, regardless of ethnic or religious identity, have the right to aspire to a hopeful and sustainable future, particularly at this historic and pivotal moment following the fall of the Assad regime.

In this context, Cyprus conveyed the principled stance, expressing its readiness to support Syria’s reintegration into the international system in a constructive and positive manner, in line with the fundamental principles of international law, including the law of the sea and good neighbourly relations, the statement concluded.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his statements after the meetings, stated, among other things, that the purpose is “to see how we can assist Syria’s transition back into the international community as a full member with the legitimacy that is expected and required“. He emphasized that this of course presupposes the existence of the basic principles of good neighborliness, respect for territorial integrity and the sovereignty of states. 

He also noted that extensive discussions had taken place over time concerning bilateral relations, expressions of investment interest, and assistance within the EU, both at a technocratic and political level. Mr Kombos stated that there is a positive willingness and response, and a constructive continuation of this effort is anticipated.

He underlined that Syria is a neighbouring country and that its security, stability, and progress directly affect the Republic of Cyprus. Concluding, he reaffirmed that Cyprus will do everything possible to support this effort within the framework of reciprocity, shared interests, and the collective pursuit of security and stability in the region.

Photos by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Also read: Cyprus | More than 900 Syrians withdrew asylum applications in one month