Diplomats from 60 countries met in Abu Dhabi Thursday (May 24th) to discuss a plan to assist Syria's economy after more than 14 months of political conflict, AFP reported.

Officials from the United Arab Emirates and Germany, who drafted the plan, are leading the Friends of the Syrian People's Working Group on Economic Recovery and Development.

"This is a suitable moment for starting to talk about long-term prospects in this country when the change comes, and we are convinced that this change will come," said Clemens von Goetze of Germany, the group's co-chairman.

Von Goetze told AFP that the international community must ensure "co-ordination with donors" and "prepare plans with the Syrian opposition" about reconstructing the country.

"The UAE government supports this idea to re-develop the Syrian economy and focus on state institutions to have a roadmap like the Marshall Plan for any government that may come, whether from the National Council or in case there is a peaceful transition of power," said Farah al-Atassi, a Syrian opposition group representative.

She said the plan "will ensure that all electricity, water, sanitary facilities and infrastructure services will remain up and running six months after the fall of regime. It will also ensure that no unrest takes place and that public employees' salaries are paid".

Attendees said in the meeting's closing statement that the group maintains a "strong and firm adherence to Syria's sovereignty, independence, political unity and territorial integrity" and affirmed their "economic support for Syria through the interim period and afterwards", according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).