EU and partners promise U.S.$ 6.3 bil. in aid for Syria and its neighbors

The European Union and its international partners have pledged substantial financial aid to support Syria and its neighboring countries during a critical transition period following the ousting of its former leader.

At a conference held in Brussels on Monday, donors committed approximately 6.3 billion U.S. dollars in aid for Syria and its neighbors, with the EU pledging nearly 2.7 billion dollars.

This year's total pledges are lower than the 8.2 billion dollars raised last year, partly due to reductions in the United States foreign aid budget.

Meanwhile, Syria's interim government participated in the conference for the first time, with its foreign minister in attendance.