Syria Returns to UfM Ministerial Meeting on 30th Anniversary of Barcelona Process

The Syrian Arab Republic participated in the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), held in Barcelona on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process. Syria was represented by Mr. Muhammad Baraa al-Shikri.

The meeting saw the adoption of a renewed strategic vision for the UfM aimed at strengthening people-to-people contacts, interconnecting economies and countries, and reinforcing Euro-Mediterranean partnerships.

This marked Syria’s first ministerial-level participation in the UfM since its membership, suspended for 14 years, was fully restored. The UfM Secretariat and member states warmly welcomed Syria’s return, underscoring its importance for inclusive regional dialogue and broader cooperation across the Mediterranean.

The Syrian delegation actively contributed to the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration, which establishes a renewed strategic framework for cooperation between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean, grounded in balanced partnership and shared responsibility in areas such as development, energy, climate action, migration, and economic integration.

In its statement, Syria emphasised that the new vision and Declaration must deliver tangible responses to the priorities and needs of southern Mediterranean countries. It further highlighted the importance of leveraging its return to open practical channels of cooperation in education, economy, energy, and transport, thereby supporting recovery, reconstruction efforts, and stability throughout the Mediterranean region.