Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar expressed his gratitude to European Council President António Costa and EU member states for their decision to lift economic sanctions against Syria, describing it as "a historic step that will help propel the country toward greater stability."

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the remarks came during a phone call between President Al-Shar and the European Council president, which focused on the EU's decision to remove economic sanctions.

President Al-Shar extended a welcome to European companies interested in investing in Syria, noting that "Syria now presents promising investment opportunities and serves as a vital economic corridor between East and West."

However, the president also addressed ongoing challenges, stating that "Israeli occupation interventions continue to negatively impact Syria," while urging the EU to support his country in ending such violations.

In response, European Council President Costa congratulated President Al-Shar on this development, calling it "a significant boost to Syria's stability." He further noted that "the upcoming donor conference in Brussels reaffirms the EU's commitment to assisting Syria in achieving stability."