“I had a courteous and extensive meeting with the Syrian leader Al-Sharaa about the geopolitical situation in Syria and the border region,” Lahbib also wrote on X. “I am in Syria with one clear message. The future of Syria belongs to all Syrians. I will report to the EU ministers on the reassuring messages I have heard from the authorities.”

In addition to talks with the new leaders, Lahbib is meeting with NGOs and members of civil society to see how European aid can be improved. She announced that the European Union is releasing a new humanitarian aid package of 235 million euros for Syria and neighboring countries. 142.5 million of that is earmarked for projects in Syria.

Earlier this month, the German and French Foreign Ministers, Annalena Baerbock and Jean-Noël Barrot, traveled to Syria on behalf of the European Union. The visit was overshadowed by the fact that Al-Sharaa did not want to shake hands with Baerbock and did so with her French, male colleague. Later, the female minister was also censored on a TV channel linked to the new regime.

During Lahbib’s visit, there were no incidents, according to her entourage. No hands were shaken, neither with the men nor with the women.