French and German Ministers Arrive in Syria

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French diplomatic chief Jean-Noel Barrot are in Syria.

The two ministers will meet with new Syrian leader Ahmad al-Chareh in Damascus. This is the first high-level visit by two Western powers since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

According to Minister Baerbock’s statement, Germany wants to help Syria become again “a safe home for all its inhabitants and a functional state with full control over its territory,” although it does not hide its skepticism about the new leadership: “We must not miss the opportunity to support the Syrian people at this important moment,” and more: “A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible.”

Barrot explained that “together, France and Germany support the Syrian people in all their diversity. In Syria, we want to facilitate a peaceful and challenging transition for the benefit of Syrians and regional stability.”