Latest news with #BrusselsConference
Roya News
18-03-2025
- Business
- Roya News
Safadi stresses importance of "Israel's" commitment to ceasefire
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi met today with the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Mashreq countries relations committee, and several members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA). The discussions focused on Jordan's financial assistance package. Safadi, joined by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan, addressed the need to strengthen Jordanian-European partnerships and discussed regional developments. He thanked MP David McAllister, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and other members for the European Parliament's ongoing support for Jordan. Safadi emphasized the importance of signing the strategic partnership agreement during King Abdullah II's visit to the EU on January 29, 2025. He highlighted key aspects of the agreement and associated aid packages, stressing the need to implement the roadmap for activating the new agreement, which aims to expand cooperation in political, economic, security, and refugee matters. Safadi expressed gratitude for the European Parliament's support of the first 500 million euro assistance package, which will be voted on in the coming months. He urged swift action on the second 500 million euro package, which has been approved by the European Commission and is expected to be reviewed before the end of the year. Toukan presented an overview of cooperation programs and reform initiatives in Jordan, reaffirming the commitment to maximize the benefits from the strategic partnership agreement. Safadi informed the committees about the impact of regional crises on Jordan, emphasizing the need for ongoing international support to address refugee needs. He condemned "Israel's" renewed aggression against Gaza and warned of the humanitarian consequences of continued conflict and obstruction of aid. Safadi stressed the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US. He asserted that a just peace, based on a two-state solution, is essential for security for all parties. In response to a question, he noted that Arab nations collectively guarantee "Israel's" security within the framework of this peace. Safadi also discussed the humanitarian fallout from the aggression on Gaza and warned against "Israeli" settlement expansion undermining the two-state solution. He emphasized the need to support Syria in rebuilding on foundations that ensure unity and sovereignty while preserving the rights of all its people. He praised the EU's Brussels Conference to support Syria as a significant step in this direction. Safadi called for lifting sanctions on Syria and warned of the implications of Israel's occupation of Syrian territory, urging respect for the 1974 disengagement agreement. He highlighted the importance of supporting Lebanon in rebuilding its institutions after electing a new president and prime minister, emphasizing the need to support the Lebanese army. Safadi reiterated the necessity for "Israel" to respect the ceasefire with Lebanon and withdraw from occupied territories.
Shafaq News
18-03-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Brussels conference: Donors pledge + $6B aid for Syria
Shafaq News/ International donors pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) in aid for Syria at a Brussels conference on Monday, but the total fell short of last year's commitments as US funding declines. The commitment was made at the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference, 'Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition.' The European Union led the pledges, contributing nearly €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) to support Syrians inside the country and in neighboring states. Germany and the UK also made significant contributions of $330 million and $210 million, respectively. However, overall commitments were down from the €7.5 billion promised at last year's conference. US representative Natasha Franceschi did not specify new American funding, instead calling for other nations to take on a greater share. 'During the last 14 years, the United States has provided more assistance for the Syrian people than any other nation, more than $18.3 billion,' she said. 'We will continue to provide certain assistance in line with US policies and laws, but we also now expect that other nations are going to help shoulder the financial burden.' For the first time, Syria's transitional government participated in the conference, with Syrian FM Asaad Al-Shibani urging donors to increase aid and ease sanctions.
Shafaq News
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Germany pledges €300 million aid for Syria
Shafaq News/ Germany has pledged €300 million ($326 million) in additional aid to Syria, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced on Monday. The commitment was made at the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference, "Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition." Baerbock explained that the funds would be directed through the United Nations and various organizations to support Syria's peace process and provide assistance to its people and the wider region. Over half of the aid will go directly to Syrians, bypassing the country's transitional government. The German Foreign Ministry outlined that the funding will address critical needs, including food assistance, healthcare, emergency shelters, and protection for vulnerable groups. It will also support refugees and host communities in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkiye. In addition, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced nearly €2.5 billion in aid for 2025 and 2026, aimed at supporting Syria's transition and socio-economic recovery. She reaffirmed the EU's long-term commitment to Syria's path forward. Moreover, Baerbock stressed the importance of an inclusive political process, declaring, 'As Europeans, we stand together for the Syrian people, for a free and peaceful Syria.' She also called on Syria's transitional government to investigate the killings of hundreds of civilians in Alawite-majority villages and hold those responsible accountable.
Shafaq News
17-03-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
EU pledges €2.5 billion for Syria
Shafaq News/ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday that the EU would commit nearly €2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026 to aid Syria's transition process and socio-economic recovery. The announcement came during the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference, titled Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition, with the participation of Syria's transitional authorities, hosted by the European Union. For 2025, the EU raised its pledge from €560 million to €720.5 million, expanding its support for Syria's population and Syrian refugees, as well as vulnerable host communities in Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. Additionally, the EU committed €600 million for 2026 for these countries and pledged €1.1 billion for Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in Turkiye for both 2025 and 2026. The event aimed to enhance coordination and efficiency among international partners and UN agencies to ensure that assistance supports Syria's recovery, emphasizing that the effort must remain both Syrian-led and Syrian-owned. For his part, Syrian FM Asaad Al-Shibani called for the lifting of sanctions and for reconstruction, adding, "The stability of Syria positively impacts the stability of the region and the world."
National News
28-02-2025
- Politics
- National News
Social Affairs Minister discusses Lebanon Response Plan with UN officials, meets Spanish Ambassador
NNA - Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen Al-Sayed, on Friday held a meeting with UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, and Representative of the UNHCR Office in Lebanon, Ivo Freijsen, along with their teams. Discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming Brussels Conference and the details of Lebanon's response plan. Al-Sayed also reviewed ongoing UN agency projects in Lebanon. Later, the Minister met with Spanish Ambassador to Lebanon, Jesús Santos Aguado, who briefed her on Spain's support programs for Lebanon. He also shared Spain's plans to organize a 'Lebanese Day' with the Lebanese diaspora in Spain as part of efforts to strengthen cultural and economic ties. ======R.H.
