ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The EU crisis management chief on Friday announced a $242 million aid package for Syria and neighboring countries during a visit to Damascus.
"I come here to announce a new package of humanitarian aid of 235 million euros ($242 million) in Syria and in neighboring countries,” Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, told a press conference in Damascus after meeting Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
"This shows the commitment of the European Union to stand by the people,” Lahbib added. “Our funding will contribute to basic needs like shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and emergencies among others."
The EU crisis management chief's visit to Damascus comes a little over a month after a lightning offensive spearheaded by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led to the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
We are at a turning point and the decisions that will be taken in the coming days and months will be crucial," Lahbib said.
The new administration in Damascus has repeatedly called on the international community, notably the US, to lift sanctions on the country to allow millions of Syrians to return home and for the country's economy to recover.
The key sanctions include; infrastructure investments, arms and military equipment, travel, and financial flows for individuals associated with the previous Syrian government.
"You are writing history, and we would like to encourage you to leave a positive trace, " the EU crisis management chief said.
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