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With Syrian President al-Sharaa Credit: MFA/Solberg

‘I am visiting Syria to demonstrate support for the Syrian people and the authorities. After 50 years of dictatorship and 13 years of civil war, the country has embarked on an entirely new course under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa. Eighteen months after my previous visit, I am impressed by what the new authorities have achieved under challenging circumstances. Although much remains to be done, significant progress has been made in bringing together the country’s many different population groups around a shared Syrian project. At the same time, Syria faces major challenges. The United Nations estimates that 15 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance. Since December 2024, around three million Syrians have returned to their home areas. Norway is therefore contributing to development and improved living conditions for the Syrian population and is now providing NOK 150 million (USD 15 million), inter alia, for initiatives in the areas of healthcare, electricity and mine clearance,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
 
During his visit to Syria, Mr Eide met, among others, President al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Shaibani, the Minister of Energy, the Minister of Health, the newly elected Speaker of Parliament Abdul Hamid al-Awak, women’s organisations and other representatives of civil society.
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With Syrian women leaders and politicians, including the Norwegian-Syrian member of parliament Hanan Al Baalkhe. Credit: MFA/Solberg

The situation remains fragile

‘Twenty months after the fall of Assad, the situation in Syria remains fragile. For Syria to succeed, the international community must provide political and economic support,‘ said the Foreign Minister.

Norwegian support to Syria in 2026 will amount to approximately NOK 420 million (USD 42 million) in total. This includes humanitarian assistance and support for transitional justice. The aim is to restore basic services for the population throughout the country. In addition, core funding of approximately NOK 100 million (USD 10 million) will be provided to the UN and multilateral organisations.
 
‘In my meetings with President al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Shaibani, I acknowledged the positive developments in several areas. It is encouraging that Syria has chosen to become a constructive actor in the region. Several million Syrians have returned to the country, and important steps have been taken in the political transition process,’ said Mr Eide.
 
The Foreign Minister stressed in his meetings that human rights must form the basis for Syria’s further development.