‘Syria may be at a turning point. We have seen positive initial signals from the transitional government, but we need to be prepared for the fact that developments can go both ways. It is imperative that the international community contributes to a positive development in this crucial phase. This is the reason for my visit to Syria’, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
The Foreign Minister is in Syria today. In Damascus, he met with the leader of the transitional government, Al-Sharaa. He also met with representatives of civil society, the United Nations and Norwegian humanitarian organisations working in Syria.
‘In my meeting with the transitional government, I emphasised the need for further peaceful transition, inclusion and respect for women’s rights. The massive changes the country is facing have made a deep impression on me during my visit. After 50 years of the Assad regime and 13 years of bloody civil war, my impression is that Syrians are aware that anything may happen’, said Minister Eide.
After 13 years of civil war, which killed half a million Syrians, challenges are legion. Nine out of ten Syrians live below the poverty line. 17 million Syrians are dependent on humanitarian assistance. 7 million Syrians have fled the country, while 6 million are internally displaced. Critical infrastructure is destroyed or obsolete. Health care services and the educational system are severely weakened.
‘Norway supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process. We will continue the longstanding Norwegian commitment to the Syrian people and contribute to Syria’s successful transition. A stable Syria with security for all is essential for stability in the Middle East. It is also important that Syria not become a breeding ground for extremism, which would be a threat to both Europe and the region. This is important for Syrians themselves, their neighbours, and for Norway and our own security’, said Mr Eide.
‘There are numerous overlapping fault lines in Syria. We must strive for Syria to become a safe country for its entire population, regardless of ethnic or religious affinity. It is also critical that other countries respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity’, said Mr Eide.
Long-term Norwegian commitment to Syria
Syria was for many years the biggest recipient of Norwegian assistance, together with neighbouring countries Jordan and Lebanon, which were affected by the war in Syria. From 2016 to 2019, Norway contributed 10 billion NOK to Syrians and Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. In 2024, Norway’s contribution was 569 million NOK. This included approximately 490 million NOK for humanitarian aid, while 79 million NOK was directed at stabilisation efforts. In 2024, Norway’s total support for Syria and neighbouring countries affected by the Syrian crisis was 1.1 billion NOK.
Norwegian support is directed at all parts of Syria, from health care, food security, education, mine clearance, rehabilitation of infrastructure and agriculture and small businesses to measures for youth in and around camps for internally displaced, as well as support for women. Important partners include the Norwegian Refugee Council, Norwegian People’s Aid, Norwegian Church Aid, Save The Children, Norwac, Care, The Red Cross Movement and the United Nations.
Syria is one of the countries in the world with the highest share of unexploded ordnances remaining after war. 3353 civilians are said to have been killed by such remnants since 2011. Mines are an obstacle to the return of internally displaced persons, agriculture and food production in many parts of the country. Norway supports the work of organisations such as Norwegian’s People Aid, Mines Advisory Group and HALO in Syria.
