Damascus, Syria – Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon visited Syria on the final stop of her Middle East tour, expressing support for the nation’s efforts to rebuild after the fall of the Assad regime.
“Visiting Syria at this crucial moment is a mark of Slovenia’s solidarity with the Syrian people, who deserve a better future after 14 years of hell,” Fajon said, as quoted by the Foreign Ministry, after meeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa and her counterpart Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.
She emphasized the need for Syria’s interim authorities to ensure an inclusive transition, advocating for a state that represents all Syrians, particularly incorporating the voices of civil society and women.
Slovenia to Continue Providing Assistance
Fajon reaffirmed Slovenia’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. “Without a stable Syria, there will be no peace in the Middle East,” she stated, adding that Slovenia remains committed to upholding international law and ensuring that those responsible for war crimes are held accountable.
She also called for a ceasefire in northeastern Syria and urged dialogue among political groups. “Slovenia will closely monitor developments and, as part of the EU, will participate in rebuilding the country,” she pledged.
Both al-Sharaa and al-Shaibani expressed gratitude for Slovenia’s support and voiced hope that international sanctions would soon be lifted to facilitate economic development and reconstruction.
Fajon referenced a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers in January regarding a gradual and reversible lifting of sanctions, noting that further sanctions relief would depend on the evolving situation on the ground.
During a meeting with Stephan Sakalian, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Syria, she was briefed on humanitarian needs, reconstruction efforts, and the status of civil society, particularly women’s rights.
Highlighting that 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line following years of war and economic collapse, she pledged Slovenia’s continued humanitarian aid, amounting to €14 million since 2014, and support for demining efforts through the ITF Enhancing Human Security fund.
“One of the reasons for my visit was to assess Syria’s humanitarian needs firsthand,” Fajon stated. “Poverty here is extreme, and the economic situation remains dire,” she said, adding that the recent decision by the new U.S. administration to freeze foreign aid was a further setback.
Condemnation of Gaza Displacement Plan
Fajon’s visit came amid continued regional instability after 13 years of civil war in Syria, which formally ended in December with the fall of the Assad regime.
Damascus was the final leg of her five-day tour of the Middle East—her fifth visit since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza.
Prior to Syria, she visited Jordan and Lebanon, where she advocated for regional peace and stability. She strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza, condemning any forced displacement of Palestinians or illegal annexation of the West Bank.
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar echoed Fajon’s concerns, stating she was “appalled that despite such forced deportations being recognized as crimes against humanity, these actions are not only tolerated today but even proposed as solutions to international problems.”
With Slovenia taking a strong stance on international law, Fajon’s visit signals the country’s continued commitment to humanitarian support and a diplomatic approach to Middle East stability.
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