The leader of Syria's new administration Ahmad al-Sharaa and UAE President Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions on Friday to explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties. According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, their phone call emphasized "the importance of continuous coordination to support the Syrian people, protect its territorial integrity, and joint action to achieve stability and development in the region."

The UAE’s state news agency WAM reported that Sheikh Muhammad reaffirmed his nation’s “firm position in supporting Syria’s independence and sovereignty over its entire territory.”

Recent weeks have seen a surge in diplomatic engagements with Syria's new administration. Multiple Arab, European, and international delegations have visited Damascus following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad on December 8. 

EU announces aid package

In a related context, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib announced a $242 million humanitarian aid package for Syria and neighboring countries hosting refugees during a visit to Damascus. Speaking at a press conference, Lahbib stated the funding would address basic needs such as "shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, health care, education, and emergencies."

"We count on the authorities to ensure unrestricted and safe access for humanitarian actors to all regions of Syria, including hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas in the east," Lahbib said.

The EU foreign ministers’ visit followed a call from France and Germany for a peaceful, inclusive transition in Syria. Lahbib described the situation as a "turning point", emphasizing the importance of decisions in the coming months.

The new regime forces formed an interim government tasked with governing until March 1. 

During her visit, Lahbib also addressed the future of the EU’s economic sanctions on Syria, which remain a contentious issue. While the transitional government has been lobbying for their removal, some European governments remain cautious, preferring to assess the new administration's actions.

"We want to see a bright future for Syria, and for that, we need to see the rule of law being respected, human rights, women’s rights," Lahbib said.

"What I’ve heard from the current authorities is really encouraging… Now we need action. Let’s help Syria but without being naive," she added.

EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss easing certain sanctions during a meeting in Brussels on January 27, though Lahbib warned, “We will need unanimity to lift the sanctions.”

Read more: Six EU members advocate for temporary suspension of Syria sanctions