00:00In other news, the European Union is moving to restore relations with Syria by restarting formal political contacts,
00:08according to a background paper from the bloc's diplomatic arm.
00:12The shift marks a major turn after years of frozen ties and could open the door to close the security
00:18and economic cooperation.
00:21The document, circulated to member states this week,
00:24allowing plans to fully resume the EU's 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria.
00:30High-level political dialogue with Syria's transitional authorities is set to begin on May 11.
00:34This comes after most Western sanctions were lifted at the end of 2025,
00:39following the ouster of former leader Bashar al-Assad and the appointment of current leader Ahmad al-Sharah.
00:44The paper added that the EU would adjust its sanctions regime to maintain leverage while engaging with Syria's leadership.
00:51The bloc also plans to work with authorities to facilitate the safe return of refugees and displaced people.
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