ISTANBUL

European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday reiterated the bloc's support for Syria, as the country marked the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime.

"A year after the fall of the Assad regime, Syrians are taking steps toward a more stable and inclusive future. The EU stands with Syria, supporting a peaceful, Syrian-led process focused on justice, reconciliation and the rights of all Syrians," Costa wrote on US social media platform X.

He reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to political dialogue, urgent humanitarian support and Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia last December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's new transitional administration was formed in January.