EU foreign ministers advocate for Syria's restart in historic visit to Damascus

In a historic visit marking the first by European foreign ministers to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime and the severing of diplomatic ties over a decade ago, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot are travelling to Damascus, the German Foreign Ministry announced on January 3.

During their visit, the two ministers will meet with Syrian administration leader Ahmed Sharaa and representatives from Syrian civil society, in what the ministry described as a key step in re-engaging with the country, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media.

"After the fall of the brutal Assad regime, Syria is on the way to a new beginning that the people have longed for. With their trip to Damascus, Foreign Minister Baerbock and her French counterpart Barrot are making it clear on behalf of the EU: We are ready to support Syria in its political restart and peaceful transfer of power, reconstruction, and, last but not least, in a social reconciliation process," the statement read.

Ahead of the visit, Baerbock remarked, "The painful chapter of Assad's rule is over. A new chapter has begun, but it has not yet been written. Because at this moment, the Syrians have the chance to take the fate of their state into their own hands again. And also to close the deep, open wounds again."

She emphasized the EU's readiness to support Syria in fostering an inclusive, peaceful transfer of power, societal reconciliation, and reconstruction, alongside the ongoing humanitarian aid the EU has provided over the years. "We all know that this will be a rocky road," she added.

Barrot, speaking on X (formerly Twitter), echoed the sentiments, stating, "In Syria, we want to promote a peaceful and demanding transition in the service of the Syrians and for regional stability."

This development follows a period of intense conflict in Syria. In late November, armed opposition militias launched a significant offensive, which eventually led to opposition forces entering the Syrian capital, Damascus, on December 8. The political fallout from this offensive resulted in the resignation and fleeing of President Bashar al-Assad on December 9. 

The following day, on December 10, Mohammed al-Bashir, leader of the Salvation Government in Idlib, was appointed as the head of Syria’s new transitional government. This interim administration, formed in response to the collapse of the Assad government, is set to remain in power until March 2025.

By Tamilla Hasanova