Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Israeli media: The ceasefire will take effect today at 12 noon
Israeli media: Israeli military divisions have been ordered to prepare for a complete withdrawal or repositioning to the rear in the near future
Canada welcomes "Israel" and Hamas's agreement to implement the first phase of Trump's plan to end the war.
Al-Dali to Al Mayadeen: The presence of resistance leaders at the negotiations and the signing of the agreement, after "Israel" attempted to assassinate them in Qatar, is a humiliation for the occupation.
Al-Dali to Al Mayadeen: The agreement will be signed in the presence of Resistance leaders, led by Hamas, with senior official Khalil al-Hayya set to sign the agreement.
Trump to Fox News: I believe Iran is going to be involved in the peace situation.
Trump: Gaza will be rebuilt.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The occupation forces continue their violations, and warplanes are entering Gazan airspace at this moment.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The fate of thousands of civilians and journalists remains unknown.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The occupation forces continue bombing various areas of the Gaza Strip.

German, France FMs make first official visit to Damascus

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 3 Jan 2025 11:29
  • 1 Shares
4 Min Read

German and French officials visit Damascus to explore enhanced bilateral ties with the new regime.

Listen
  • x
  • France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot listens as he is greeted by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, not pictured, in London, England, on November 22, 2024. (AP)
    France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot listens as he is greeted by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, not pictured, in London, England, on November 22, 2024. (AP)

Germany and France's foreign ministers, Annalena Baerbock and Jean-Noel Barrot, arrived in Damascus on Friday in what marks the first official visit since the collapse of the Assad regime. 

According to Baerbock, the visit signifies a fresh start in Syrian-EU relations, as well as Syrian-German ties, stressing that this could only be achieved through an inclusive political process. The German diplomat further stated that he visited the Syrian capital with both an offer of support and clear expectations for the new Syrian government. 

"We want to support them in this: in an inclusive, peaceful transition of power, in the reconciliation of society, in the reconstruction, in addition to the humanitarian aid that we have continuously provided to the Syrian people over the past years," she wrote in a post on X. 

Mit dem Angebot unserer Unterstützung, aber auch klaren Erwartungen an die neuen Machthaber, reisen wir heute nach Damaskus. Den Neuanfang kann es nur geben, wenn allen Syrer*innen gleich welcher ethnischen oder religiösen Gruppe ein Platz im politischen Prozess eingeräumt wird.

— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) January 3, 2025

Germany to judge Syria’s new leadership by actions

Previously, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Brussels reported that the atmosphere in the European capital does not indicate any efforts to lift sanctions off Syria in the meantime, despite a "clear urgency to engage with the new Syrian government."

German diplomats held talks with the transitional government in Damascus in December, discussing the possibility of German diplomatic representation in Syria, Reuters revealed, following an announcement by the German Foreign Ministry declaring that Berlin plans to hold talks with representatives of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group in Damascus.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that initial talks between German diplomats and governmental representatives appointed by HTS would focus on the transitional process in Syria, as well as the protection of minorities. 

Related News

Middle East states want Russia to maintain presence in Syria: Lavrov

Iran interested in resuming nuclear talks: Lavrov

"We are exploring possibilities for diplomatic presence in Damascus," the spokesperson stated while emphasizing that Berlin closely monitors Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham due to its background and affiliations with al-Qaeda. However, he did refer to current observations, saying HTS has "acted wisely so far."

He confirmed that Germany is maintaining close communication with its partners, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Arab countries, regarding Syria.

Additionally, a French delegation arrived in Syria today "to engage with the de facto authorities in Damascus," according to statements.

The Special Envoy to Syria, Jean-François Guillaume, confirmed that France was ready to stand by the Syrian population during the transitional period, while the French flag was raised on Tuesday morning above the French embassy in Damascus, which had previously been closed since 2012, according to AFP.

Europe has strategic chance in Syria: Politico

According to Julien Barnes-Dacey, Europe is moving at a slow pace following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. 

Barnes-Dacey writes in Politico that the end of Assad's administration provides Europe with a significant strategic opportunity, including the voluntary repatriation of many Syrian refugees. However, normal European hesitancy is setting in.

While some of the bloc's ambassadors are heading to Damascus, European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas has previously said that significant help for Syria will be contingent on ground improvements.

The author contends that Syria's fate is of critical strategic importance and that the bloc has a possibly limited chance to promote constructive change at a time when internal tensions are wreaking havoc on cohesive European foreign policies.

He believes that Europe needs to make a big and timely offer to Syria. It must put together a big package to encourage the country's new government to continue moving toward moderation, inclusion, and stability if it wishes to shape developments and provide Syria a haven for its exiles.

Read more: Saudi defense, foreign ministers receive Syrian counterparts in Riyadh

  • Syria
  • Damascus
  • Germany
  • France
  • Annalena Baerbock
  • Jean-Noël Barrot
  • European Union

Most Read

Tucker Carlson speaks at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (AP)

Tucker Carlson: Israeli officers gave orders on Iran inside Pentagon

  • Politics
  • 2 Oct 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025
Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder revealed

Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder exposed

  • Politics
  • 5 Oct 2025
The Palestinian resistance and the people of Gaza showed that after combating Israeli aggression for two years, they remain victorious in the face of oppression (Mahdi Rteil/Al Mayadeen English)

Al-Aqsa Flood two years on, a tale of victory

  • Politics
  • 6 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
An Israeli armored vehicle moves on a street of a local market during a military raid in the West Bank refugee camp of Balata, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Israeli settlers kill Palestinian youth near Ramallah amid raids

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran interested in resuming nuclear talks: Lavrov

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during a news conference at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, April 25, 2025 (AP)
Politics

IMF head flags US budget, Europe Defense spending challenges

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at UN headquarters (AP)
Politics

Meloni faces ICC complaint over Gaza genocide complicity with Israelis

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS