EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib announced a 235 million euro aid package for Syria and neighbouring countries on Friday during the first visit by a senior EU official since Bashar al-Assad's ouster.
"I come here to announce to a new package of humanitarian aid of 235 million euros ($242 million) in Syria and in neighbouring countries," Lahbib told a press conference in Damascus after meeting Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
"This shows the commitment of the European Union to stand by the people," she said, adding that "our funding will contribute to basic needs like shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education and emergencies among others."
Sharaa's Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led the rebel offensive that ousted Assad on December 8.
An interim government has been appointed to steer the country until March 1.
HTS, which has roots in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, has sought to reassure minorities that they will not be harmed and the rule of law will be respected.
"We are at a turning point and the decisions that will be taken in the coming days and months will be crucial," Lahbib said.
"You are writing history, and we would like to encourage you to leave a positive trace. It starts with building an inclusive future for all Syrians," she added.
"Syria is rich in its diversity and every citizen has the right to contribute to its future," she said.
The trip comes two weeks after foreign ministers from France and Germany visited Syria, calling for a peaceful, inclusive transition, and meeting with Sharaa.
With AFP
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