The European Union (EU) foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has announced that the bloc has agreed to lift sanctions against Syria’s interior and defense ministers as part of a broader change in policy towards Damascus, Anadolu reports.

“We also agreed to lift sanctions against Syria’s interior minister and defense minister,” Kallas told reporters after the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, adding that the decision is linked to efforts to restore relations and support the country’s political transition after years of suspension during the Bashar al-Assad era.

EU ministers also agreed to fully resume the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, which was previously partially suspended, and to launch a high-level political dialogue with the Syrian authorities later in the day.

Furthermore, Kallas said the EU is prepares to strengthen security and defense cooperation in the Strait of Hormuz in response to rising regional tensions and warned that the situation remains fragile following recent developments involving Iran.

Ministers also discussed strengthening the EU’s maritime mission, namely Operation Aspides, which aims to support maritime security and freedom of navigation, as well as its potential contribution to wider international maritime efforts.

Kallas said that EU foreign ministers also discussed trade measures related to Israeli settlers in the West Bank, with some member states asking for further steps.

She added that the European Commission will continue to work on possible proposals in this area.

Speaking of Ukraine, Kallas said that the ministers assessed the dynamics of the battlefield, stating that Ukraine is in a “much better position than a year ago”.

She added that security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire were discussed, including improved satellite monitoring capabilities, stressing that any future peace negotiations must be coordinated with Kiev.

The ministers also discussed Ukraine’s EU membership process, with the EU policy chief highlighting what he called “extraordinary reform progress” under difficult circumstances.

“Now there is a new moment and we must use it to lead ahead of Ukraine’s path to the EU. This means opening all the negotiation chapters before the summer,” she said.

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Source: prizrenpost