International Coalition Pledges Support for Syria’s Reconstruction and Political Transition

On February 13, 2025, a coalition of Western and Arab nations convened in Paris to pledge support for Syria’s transition towards a new government, slated to take effect on March 1.

The international conference, the third of its kind since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, focused on facilitating a Syrian-led political transition, providing humanitarian aid, and initiating reconstruction efforts.

The primary outcome of the conference was the signing of a declaration emphasizing that the post-Assad transition must be Syrian-led. Participants vowed to work together to enable the Syrian people to build a safer, more promising future.

France pledged €50 million in aid to Syria for 2025. Discussions also addressed the potential lifting of economic sanctions on Syria to facilitate the recovery of the Syrian economy and the political transition.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that these sanctions should no longer impede the recovery and reconstruction of Syria.

French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that combating terrorist organizations, such as ISIS, remains a top priority.

He called on transitional authorities to join the international coalition in this fight. Participants also pledged to support the new Syrian government in preventing the resurgence of terrorist organizations on Syrian soil.

The conference also addressed the need to scale up humanitarian aid to Syria and support reconstruction efforts.

Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Syria, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

They also committed to facilitating the voluntary and lasting return of refugees through supporting Syria’s economic recovery.

The meeting, organized by France, included representatives from approximately 20 countries, including Syria, as well as the European Union, the UN special envoy for Syria, and the secretary-generals of the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. While a US representative attended, the United States did not sign the declaration.