Italian Foreign Minister Visits Post-Assad Syria, Calls for EU Sanctions Review

Antonio Tajani meets Syria's new leadership, aiming to foster stability and economic recovery after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made his first official visit to Syria following the December ousting of Bashar al-Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group.
Tajani met with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, discussing the potential easing of European Union sanctions imposed on the previous regime.
The EU has signaled it may lift sanctions if Syria's new rulers demonstrate progress toward forming an inclusive government that protects minority rights.
Tajani emphasized Italy's role as a bridge between Syria and Europe, proposing private investment in healthcare and economic rebuilding efforts for the war-torn country.
The visit follows a Rome meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European officials to coordinate post-Assad initiatives and address international concerns over Syria's Islamist-led leadership.