The paper, circulated among member states by the EU’s diplomatic service, proposes resuming the bloc’s 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria and initiating a High-Level Political Dialogue with transitional authorities starting May 11. The move signals a departure from years of limited engagement following the country’s prolonged conflict.

The EU also intends to “reframe and adapt” its sanctions regime to retain leverage while engaging Syria’s leadership, focusing restrictions on actors seen as obstructing the political transition. Most Western sanctions were lifted late last year as Damascus sought reintegration into the international system under interim President , who assumed power after the removal of former leader in 2024.

The document outlines plans to expand economic ties through trade and investment frameworks, including mobilising private sector funding and establishing a technical assistance hub to support regulatory and business reforms. The EU also aims to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of refugees, with more than one million Syrians currently residing in Europe, around half of them in Germany.

Brussels is additionally exploring Syria’s integration into regional connectivity initiatives such as the , positioning the country as a potential hub for transport, energy and digital links amid shifting global supply routes.

Syria has gained strategic relevance as an emerging transit corridor following disruptions linked to tensions affecting the . A tanker carrying Iraqi oil recently departed from the Syrian port of Baniyas after overland transport, highlighting evolving logistics patterns.
On security cooperation, the EU is considering support for training Syrian police forces, strengthening institutional capacity within the interior ministry, and coordinating efforts on counterterrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking.

The document also reaffirms EU backing for a political agreement between Damascus and Kurdish-led authorities aimed at integrating northeastern institutions into the state framework and expanding rights for Kurdish populations. Recent steps include the appointment of a senior Kurdish commander to a deputy defence role overseeing eastern territories.

The policy shift reflects a broader recalibration by European governments seeking stability, migration management and economic engagement following more than a decade of conflict and isolation.

Her participation underscored Riyadh’s continued commitment to multilateral dialogue and its growing engagement with institutions across Europe and the Mediterranean region.

The gathering brought together ministers, diplomats and policymakers from across the Euro-Mediterranean area, offering a platform to review pressing challenges affecting both shores of the Mediterranean.

Topics explored during the sessions included economic integration, sustainable development, climate resilience, migration trends and new avenues for political coordination.

Diplomats at the forum highlighted the value of inclusive dialogue at a time when the region faces shifting geopolitical dynamics and increasing economic interdependence.

Participating countries emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation to better respond to emerging issues and reinforce long-term stability.

Princess Haifa’s presence reflected Saudi Arabia’s broader approach of expanding diplomatic channels and contributing to global conversations aligned with its development and foreign-policy priorities.

Spanish hosts welcomed the engagement, noting that constructive involvement from regional partners remains essential for addressing common challenges.

The forum also reviewed ongoing initiatives under the Union for the Mediterranean framework, including programs supporting youth empowerment, cultural exchange, green transition and infrastructure connectivity.

Member states reaffirmed the need for practical cooperation that can translate shared goals into measurable progress on the ground.

During discussions, delegates reiterated that the Mediterranean’s strategic importance requires sustained collaboration, particularly on issues that impact cross-border development.

These include energy diversification, digital transformation, environmental protection and economic opportunities for younger populations.

Saudi participation further demonstrated the Kingdom’s interest in contributing expertise in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable planning and regional development strategies.

Officials noted that the forum remains a vital space where countries can coordinate responses and explore partnerships rooted in mutual benefit.

The delegation also underscored the value of diplomatic engagement as a tool for fostering stability across interconnected regions.

By joining multilateral forums, the Kingdom aims to build bridges with international partners and reinforce channels for future cooperation.

The event, held annually, serves as one of the main platforms for assessing the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and setting future priorities for the organization’s agenda.

It allows member states to evaluate progress, discuss new policy pathways and ensure that cooperative frameworks remain responsive to global and regional shifts.

As sessions concluded, participants emphasized that strengthening communication between Mediterranean and Gulf nations can unlock new opportunities for dialogue and partnership.

Shared priorities, they said, include economic diversification, cultural understanding and the development of sustainable and resilient societies.

Saudi officials expressed appreciation for the opportunity to join leaders from across the region at a moment when collaboration continues to gain importance amid global uncertainty.

The Kingdom’s engagement at the forum reflects its vision of playing a constructive role in international arenas that promote stability, cooperation and shared development goals.

The meeting closed with a reaffirmation of the Union for the Mediterranean’s mission to enhance regional ties and support ongoing efforts to address challenges facing member countries.

Delegates agreed that continued dialogue and coordinated action will remain essential in navigating a complex global landscape.

South Korea, hosting the 2025 APEC Summit in the historic city of Gyeongju, has played a key role in guiding discussions among the 21 member economies that together account for half of global trade and over 60 percent of the world’s GDP.

The atmosphere at this year’s summit has been notably constructive, with leaders and ministers emphasizing mutual understanding, economic stability, and the shared goal of maintaining open and fair trade systems.

During a press briefing, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed optimism about the progress being made in finalizing the joint declaration.

“We are very close to reaching a consensus,” Cho said, noting that talks on both the ministerial statement and the leaders’ declaration have been productive and forward-looking.

He added that South Korea is confident the agreements will reflect a shared commitment to cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainable economic development.

The summit’s discussions have revolved around key global challenges, including the need to rebuild trust in multilateral trade systems, stabilize global supply chains, and address the economic impact of protectionist trends.

Despite differing national interests, most APEC members have agreed on the importance of strengthening multilateralism and maintaining open channels for trade and investment.

South Korea’s Minister for Trade, Yeo Han-koo, highlighted that the nation supports a global system based on fairness and inclusivity.

“It is in line with our interest for the world’s leading economies to find balance and stabilize supply chains and trade relationships,” Yeo said, referring to the significance of strong ties between the United States, China, and other Asia-Pacific partners.

This year’s summit also emphasized innovation, digital transformation, and green growth as essential pillars for the region’s future prosperity. South Korea, known for its technological leadership, has encouraged other member economies to embrace digitalization as a pathway toward resilient and diversified trade.

Discussions also touched upon the need for regional cooperation in areas such as clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive development, ensuring that smaller and developing economies can benefit from the shared growth of the Asia-Pacific region.

The APEC forum has faced challenges in recent years, including rising trade tensions and disruptions to global supply chains. However, this year’s summit has demonstrated a renewed spirit of collaboration.

Member countries expressed a collective determination to restore confidence in multilateral cooperation and ensure that global economic policies promote mutual benefit rather than division.

Foreign Minister Cho emphasized that tariffs and trade barriers were not the only obstacles to global growth. “We are facing complex challenges in global value chains, technological transitions, and equitable access to resources,” he said.

“APEC has an opportunity to address these challenges collectively and establish a roadmap that benefits all its members.”

South Korea’s hosting of the APEC Summit has been widely viewed as a diplomatic success, reflecting its growing leadership role in fostering regional stability and dialogue.

The event also provided opportunities for bilateral meetings, where leaders discussed initiatives in trade, energy, innovation, and infrastructure.

While some high-profile leaders departed before the final day, the momentum of the summit continued under South Korea’s careful facilitation.

The country’s emphasis on balance, inclusivity, and pragmatic cooperation helped maintain a positive tone and encouraged nations to align their economic strategies for shared progress.

As the summit concludes, expectations are high that APEC’s forthcoming joint declaration will reaffirm the members’ commitment to an open, rules-based international trading system and sustainable economic development.

It is seen as a strong step toward restoring confidence in regional partnerships and ensuring that the Asia-Pacific remains a driver of global growth and innovation.