Speech by Commissioner Šuica at the Day of Dialogue Syria

Dear participants,

It is a pleasure and honour to address you today.

I was in Syria in June earlier this year.

And had an opportunity to engage with some of you.

I could see first-hand the appetite for a Day of Dialogue.

I want to congratulate you on this historic moment.

After years of holding these discussions as part of the Brussels Donor Conferences, we are now bringing the dialogue home.

For the first time after 14 years.

The new format sets the stage for continued inclusive dialogue.

I am very grateful to the EU Delegation for organising this event in close coordination with the Government of Syria.

We appreciate the Governments sense of openness to exchange and collaborate for a truly inclusive country.

This is reflected in the diversity of the high number of participants from Syria - including a remarkable number of women. I personally welcome this.

Your presence, together with representatives from the United Nations, European Union Member States, like-minded partners, and international civil society organisations, lays a strong foundation to build on.

This Day of Dialogue takes place at an important moment in Syrias transition, recovery and reconstruction.

This transition can only be successful if it is truly inclusive and if civil society plays a key role in building Syrias future.

The protection and involvement of all Syrians - regardless of their religious background or gender - is indispensable for true reconciliation and a united, democratic, and prosperous Syria.

It is of great importance to maintain a vibrant civic space and to include civil society organisations and independent non-governmental organisations at all stages of rebuilding the country.

The European Union has stood side-by-side with the Syrian people during the darkest times of your history.

And we will continue to do so.

Back in June, I announced a 175 million Euro socio-economic recovery package.

We adopted this package focussing on

institution-building,

socio-economic recovery in rural and urban areas, and

justice, accountability, and social cohesion.

These actions speak louder than words.

We want to play an active role in the Syrian-led inclusive transition.

We want to help improve the lives and livelihoods of all Syrians from all backgrounds and generations and strengthen all layers of society.

Dear members of the civil society in Syria,

I have worked extensively on engaging with citizens and civil society in my career.

I know the courage and commitment it takes to deliver on dialogue.

And the work does not end after todays event.

It is in some ways a new beginning.

This day will be an opportunity to build trust.

And to enhance the civic space and social cohesion through dialogue.

It is a powerful sign of the inclusive future Syria and its people deserve.

Thank you everyone for your dedication and contribution. And I look forward to the outcomes of this first Day of Dialogue in Syria.