Today, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock arrive in the Syrian capital, Damascus, to meet with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and representatives from civil society organizations.

The French Foreign Minister said on his “X” account today, Friday, January 3, that he is heading to Damascus with his German counterpart, adding that he wants to “enhance the peaceful transition process for the benefit of the Syrians and regional stability.”

For her part, the German Foreign Minister stated that she is traveling with Minister Barrot today on behalf of the European Union to present the possibility of a new beginning between Europe, Germany, and Syria.

Baerbock added that she wants to support the Syrians in a comprehensive and peaceful transition of power that serves the community’s interest and reconstruction.

The German minister deemed that the new beginning in Syria will come through giving the Syrian community, in all its categories and strata, a place in the political process, granting them rights, and providing a living, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.

She pointed out that the upcoming political process should not be undermined by lengthy deadlines or steps toward the “Islamization” of the judicial or educational systems.

Furthermore, Minister Baerbock linked Germany’s and Europe’s security to the exclusion of what she described as “extremist groups” from the Syrian scene, in addition to ending “hostilities” against entire residential groups.

She called for the withdrawal of Russian military bases from Syria, stating, “The Syrian people will not forget the widespread bombing and human rights violations.”

She continued, “Putin is the one who stood by Assad for a long time, covering up the regime’s crimes and supporting them.”

Baerbock stated that Syrians now have the opportunity to manage their country and heal “deep wounds” following “painful” chapters of Assad’s rule.

The new Syrian administration has previously met with several European and Western delegations.

At the end of December 2024, the Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Syria, Michael Ohnmacht, held a series of meetings in Damascus with the Damascus caretaker government and figures from the Syrian political opposition.

In his meeting with the foreign minister of the Damascus caretaker government, Asaad al-Shibani, Ohnmacht emphasized the necessity of promoting security and peace and maintaining the unity and independence of Syrian territories.

Ohnmacht affirmed the European Union’s support for a peaceful transition of power in Syria.

Al-Shibani, for his part, expressed the need to enhance diplomatic relations with the European Union and open a new chapter after the fall of the previous regime.

The Syrian minister also called for the reopening of EU embassies in Syria and activating their role.