Turkey calls on EU to lift Syria sanctions ahead of aid conference in Brussels

Turkey called on the European Union on Sunday to unconditionally lift sanctions on Syria, ahead of an international aid conference in Brussels to which the war-torn country's new authorities have been invited.

Ankara, allied with Syria's new rulers who overthrew President Bashar al-Assad and seized power in December, sees such a step as necessary for a "peaceful transition" in the country, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, foreign media reported, according to Telegraph.

The European Union will host the ninth international conference in support of Syria on Monday.

For the first time, representatives of the Syrian government – ​​the new interim authorities – have been invited to participate.

The event aims to increase international support for Syria's transition and recovery after more than 13 years of civil war.

The European bloc on February 24 already announced an easing of sanctions on Syria's energy, transport and banking sectors to ease some of the challenges facing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

"Syria's economic security is essential for the country's stability and security," the Turkish ministry said, adding that "economic opportunities and jobs must be created."

"Sanctions should be lifted unconditionally and for an indefinite period."

Turkey, which hosts nearly three million Syrian refugees, also called for the reconstruction of Syria "to encourage returns."Telegraph/