ISTANBUL

Numerous European leaders on Monday voiced their support for Syria's stability and reconstruction as the country marked the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime.

"The EU will continue to support Syrians' aspirations for a stable, prosperous and democratic country. It looks forward to working in a spirit of partnership to address the shared challenges facing Syria, the region and Europe," said a joint statement by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica, and Hadja Lahbib, commissioner for preparedness, crisis management, and equality.

The statement expressed the bloc's "concern" about the waves of violence unfolding since March across the country, warning that there can be "no peace and stability" without a process of national dialogue, reconciliation, and transitional justice.

"The EU also condemns any foreign military actions and attempts to undermine Syria's stability and prospects for a peaceful transition. We reiterate our call to respect Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity and avoid any actions that would undermine the respect for the UN Security Council resolution 497 (1981)," it noted.

The statement also welcomed the commitments of transitional authorities towards "a peaceful and inclusive transition" and the progress made since December 2024.

"One year ago, the Syrian people closed a chapter of injustice. I went to Damascus to raise the Spanish flag at the Embassy of Spain in Syria. Because Spain supports Syria on its path toward stability, with justice and security, that is inclusive and equal rights for all Syrians, men and women," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares also wrote on US social media company X.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide further reiterated Norway’s "commitment and contribution" to a peaceful and inclusive transition and reconstruction of Syria.

"Both our countries, Kosovo and Syria, have known the darkest chapters of oppression, injustice, and unimaginable suffering. But we have also known what it means to rise, to transform pain into purpose and strength. We have stood firm in our belief that no force can extinguish a people's yearning for freedom," Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani also said in a video shared on X.

She voiced Kosovo's commitment to work closely with Syria in the years to come, bringing the two countries closer together "in friendship and cooperation."

"We will be your partner, your friend, and your ally every step of the way. From Pristina to Damascus, our hearts beat as one for freedom, for dignity, and for the enduring friendship between our two countries," Osmani added.

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 transitional administration was formed in January.