The UAE, represented by HE Lana Nusseibeh, attended the Ninth Brussels Conference focused on Syria’s transition, emphasizing inclusivity and women’s roles in peace. The conference fostered commitments for sustained support to Syrians, while addressing refugee returns and promoting stability in the region. The UAE’s extensive aid has reached over EUR 1.5 billion since the conflict began.
Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, the Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Foreign Minister to the European Union, represented the United Arab Emirates at the Ninth Brussels Conference titled ‘Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition’ on March 17 and 18, 2025. This conference gathered EU institutions, partner countries, UN entities, and Syrian civil society to foster global support for a peaceful transition in Syria.
The participants of the conference committed to providing assistance aimed at ensuring continued support for Syrians both domestically and in neighboring countries. Deliberations included strategies to facilitate the voluntary and large-scale return of refugees, while preventing strain on the limited support infrastructure within Syria.
In her address, HE Nusseibeh praised the collaborative efforts of nations and organizations dedicated to improving the future for Syria and its region. She emphasized the necessity of an inclusive transition process and highlighted the critical role of women in establishing sustainable peace.
“There is a strong link between the active engagement of women in negotiating peace agreements, and the long-term durability of those post-conflict settlements,” remarked Nusseibeh. She asserted the need for women to have a significant role in decision-making processes to unlock Syria’s full potential.
Moreover, she called for the promotion of tolerance and the fight against extremism, condemning recent assaults on Syrian security forces and violence against civilians while advocating for accountability. Additionally, she reiterated the UAE’s commitment to aiding the Syrian populace, noting that UAE contributions exceeded EUR 1.5 billion since the onset of the conflict, with EUR 250 million provided in the last two years.
Furthermore, Nusseibeh expressed the UAE’s firm stance on Syria’s stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, urging Israel to comply with international law and the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement. Alongside the conference participation, she engaged in discussions with EU officials, Members of the European Parliament, and senior diplomats from Europe and the Middle East.
In summary, the UAE’s participation in the Ninth Brussels Conference underscored its commitment to supporting a peaceful transition in Syria. HE Lana Nusseibeh’s remarks highlighted the importance of inclusivity, particularly the role of women in peace negotiations, while reaffirming the UAE’s humanitarian aid efforts and support for Syria’s territorial integrity. The collaborative outcomes of the conference aim to forge a prosperous future for the Syrian people.
Original Source: www.mofaic.gov.ae
