Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus on Thursday, a major move towards reviving relations with Syria. The embassy had been shut for 13 years since the start of Syria’s civil war.
Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock officially reopened the mission on her Damascus visit, her second since December’s fall of ex-President Bashar Assad. The move was covered by German news wire dpa as a decisive step toward diplomatic outreach in the country.
European Countries Reopen Embassies in Syria
Germany, one of the European Union’s leading players, follows other EU countries in restoring diplomatic relations with Syria. Italy had already reopened its embassy last year before Assad’s removal, while Spain did the same after his removal from office.
Before her arrival, Baerbock stressed Germany’s dedication to building a new era of diplomacy between Syria and Europe.
A political new start between Syria and Europe, between Syria and Germany is possible,” she said. But she also emphasized that this is accompanied by “clear expectations that there is freedom, security, and opportunity in Syria for all people — for women and men, for people of all ethnic groups and religions.”
Clashes Between Assad Loyalists and New Regime Forces Leave 1,000 Dead
Syria has seen renewed violence in recent weeks. Clashes between fighters who are loyal to Assad and troops of the new ruling government caused at least 1,000 casualties, mostly among Assad’s Alawite minority.
Baerbock denounced the violence, which she said has “massively cost confidence” in Syria’s transitional government. She urged interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa to take steps to hold accountable those who are behind the clashes.
Germany Backs Syria’s Transitional Government
The temporary government recently agreed with the Kurdish-led government, which holds power in Syria’s northeast. Baerbock hailed the agreement as “historic” and stressed the need for inclusivity of all groups across the country.
“There must be inclusion for other groups as well so that they feel that they’re part of a new Syria,” she insisted.
Germany’s diplomatic rapprochement heralds a broader endeavor to support Syria’s reconstruction while promoting democratic reforms and human rights.
