Rome's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, on Thursday said Italy has earmarked at least 68 million euros ($73.20 million) to finance humanitarian projects and rebuild infrastructure in Syria.
This is as he said it was crucial to support the transition in Damascus.
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group reportedly seized power in Syria in December, toppling former President Bashar al-Assad and ending decades of authoritarian rule.
“An initial package has been earmarked for humanitarian initiatives in the hospital and health sector, in infrastructure, and in strengthening food supply chains.
“New cooperation projects will start in the coming weeks. And we also intend to organise a business forum aimed at reconstruction,” Tajani told a parliamentary hearing.
Earlier this month, it was gathered that donors at a European Union-led conference pledged 5.8 billion euros to help Syria's new authorities with the challenges of the transition.
EU countries have also suspended a range of sanctions against Syria, including restrictions related to energy, banking, transport, and reconstruction.
The new authorities this month issued a constitutional declaration that retains a central role for Islamic law in the country.
According to Tajani, the constitutional declaration represented a positive step, and a progressive and cautious easing of sanctions should continue to foster institutional consolidation and economic recovery.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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