In a significant diplomatic development, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in Damascus on January 3, 2025, to meet with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This visit marks the first official engagement by European Union foreign ministers since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.
The ministers’ agenda includes discussions aimed at fostering a peaceful transition and establishing a stable, sovereign Syria. They emphasized the necessity for inclusivity in the political process, ensuring representation for all societal groups. Baerbock stated, “We have clear expectations of the new rulers and will judge them by their actions.”
During their visit, Baerbock and Barrot engaged with various Syrian civil society representatives and toured significant sites, including the French embassy and the notorious Sednaya prison. Their presence underscores the European Union’s cautious approach to re-establishing diplomatic relations with Syria, contingent upon the new leadership’s commitment to inclusive governance and human rights.
The recent shift in Syria’s political landscape, with rebels seizing control of Damascus and Assad’s subsequent departure, has opened avenues for renewed international dialogue. Western governments are now exploring diplomatic channels with Sharaa’s group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has expressed intentions to govern inclusively. France has indicated its willingness to re-establish diplomatic representation, contingent upon favorable political and security conditions.
This diplomatic mission signifies a potential “new beginning” between Europe and Syria, as articulated by Baerbock. The international community remains attentive to the actions of Syria’s new rulers, with future relations hinging on their adherence to principles of inclusivity, human rights, and commitment to a peaceful transition.
MMC News Desk
