In brief
In a groundbreaking diplomatic visit, German and French foreign ministers have convened with leaders of the newly formed Syrian government as the region seeks to redefine alliances after years of civil conflict.
Germany's Annalena Baerbock and France's Jean-Noël Barrot met with Ahmad al-Shara, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in Damascus on January 3, 2025, in what represents the EU’s first formal engagement with Syria since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad last month. This visit marks a pivotal moment as Western nations explore re-establishing channels with the new Syrian leadership amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.Baerbock emphasized the EU's commitment to fostering an inclusive political process, addressing ethnic and religious diversity within Syria. "A new beginning can only happen if all Syrians, no matter their ethnicity and religion, are given a place in the political process,” she stated, highlighting the EU's conditional support for the new administration.The diplomats' itinerary included a visit to Sednaya prison, a site infamous for its history of torture and extrajudicial killings under Assad's regime, underscoring the EU's awareness of past atrocities. The current leadership under al-Shara faces challenges due to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's historic associations with extremism, as it remains designated a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the U.N.Al-Shara has proactively sought international legitimacy, appealing for the removal of this designation and promising to prioritize the reconstruction of Syria following a decade of turmoil. As Western officials engage with Syrian rebel leaders, this visit could pave the way for a new chapter in Syria's turbulent political landscape.r
