The first visit of its kind from Western countries to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s
The French Foreign Minister arrived in Damascus on Friday morning.
This marks the first visit of its kind from Western countries to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Jean-Noël Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock will meet with the leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The French minister wrote in a post on X on Friday:
“Together, France and Germany stand with the Syrians, in all their diversity.”
He added that the two countries aim to “promote a peaceful and effective transition to serve the Syrians and the stability of the region.”
Before meeting al-Sharaa, the ministers will visit Sednaya Prison, the symbol of authorities repression during Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
German Foreign Minister and Her French Counterpart in Syria on Behalf of the European Union
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is heading to Syria on an unannounced visit after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
Baerbock intends to travel to Damascus on a plane departing from Cyprus this morning.
The minister and her French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, plan to hold talks with the new de facto rulers on behalf of the European Union.
Before heading to Damascus, Baerbock set conditions for the new de facto rulers in Syria to resume relations with Germany and the European Union, saying:
“A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible.”
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Syria After Bashar Al-Assad
Recently, Syria has witnessed active diplomatic movements.
Receiving numerous Arab and international diplomatic delegations since Assad’s fall.
Accordingly it is emerging from the isolation imposed on it since Assad’s crackdown on popular protests in 2011.
On December 17, France sent envoys to the new authorities and raised its flag over its embassy in Damascus, which had been closed since 2012.
Germany, which also closed its embassy in 2012, sent envoys on the same day to establish contacts with the transitional authorities, cautiously observing their first steps in governance.
