Italy moves to rebuild economic relations with Syria's new government

Italy has initiated efforts to restore economic relations with Syria, signaling a potential shift in European engagement with the Middle Eastern nation following its political transition. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the diplomatic initiative after meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Brazil.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

The talks occurred on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, marking significant high-level contact between European and Syrian officials. Tajani used the social media platform X to outline the discussions, emphasizing Italy's focus on both bilateral relations and broader Middle Eastern developments amid ongoing regional instability.

Italy's Stance on Syrian Stability

The Italian foreign minister positioned his country as a leader in promoting peaceful resolution in Syria, stating that "Italy stands at the forefront of a peaceful and inclusive political process in Syria, including the stabilization of the country and the protection of important Christian communities in the region." He reaffirmed Rome's commitment to supporting the Syrian population during the challenging reconstruction phase.

Economic Cooperation Agenda

A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to strengthen joint efforts to revive economic relations between the two Mediterranean nations. Tajani specifically highlighted the role of Italian companies' expertise in this process, suggesting that private sector involvement would be central to rebuilding economic ties and supporting Syria's recovery from years of conflict.