France and Germany’s top diplomats visit Damascus to discuss Syria’s future

The foreign ministers of France and Germany have arrived in Damascus for discussions with Syria’s new leadership, marking the first visit by senior European Union officials since the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad last month.

Germany’s Annalena Baerbock and France’s Jean-Noel Barrot are set to meet Syria’s de-facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, in the Syrian capital on January 3, Caliber.Az reports via Al Jazeera.

Their visit follows Western efforts to establish ties with al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group previously linked to al-Qaeda that led the uprising against al-Assad. Discussions are underway about the potential removal of HTS from terrorist designations.

Barrot, who arrived earlier on January 3, emphasized support for Syria’s diverse population and regional stability, stating on social media platform X that France and Germany back a “peaceful and demanding transition in the service of the Syrians.”

Ahead of the visit, Baerbock spoke of initiating a “new political beginning” between the EU and Syria. She promised to approach talks with an “outstretched hand” but maintained “clear expectations” regarding the new authorities, who, she said, would be evaluated based on their actions.

“We know where the HTS comes from ideologically, what it has done in the past,” Baerbock said. “But we also hear and see the desire for moderation and for understanding with other important actors.”

Baerbock stressed that progress depends on the inclusion of all Syrians — men and women from every ethnic and religious background — in the political process, ensuring their rights and protections.

She urged the new government to prevent “acts of vengeance against groups within the population,” to avoid lengthy delays before elections, and to keep religious content out of judicial and educational systems.

The new administration has already announced curriculum reforms, such as removing poetry focused on love and women, as well as references to “Gods” in ancient history lessons.

Al-Sharaa recently estimated that drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, with elections following a year later.

Baerbock expressed Germany’s aim to reduce doubts about HTS and assist Syria in becoming “a functioning state with full control over its territory.”

During their visit, the ministers also plan to tour Sednaya prison, a site infamous for extrajudicial killings, torture, and forced disappearances under the Assad regime.

France and Germany had previously sent lower-level delegations last month.

By Tamilla Hasanova