German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made her second visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, following the overthrow of the Assad regime.

The German Press Agency (dpa) reported today, Thursday, March 20, that Baerbock reopened the German embassy in Damascus after more than three months of the Assad regime’s removal.

Germany had closed its embassy in 2012 for security reasons and in response to the European stance opposing the violence used by the previous regime against the popular movement opposing Assad’s rule.

The embassy employed between 25 and 30 diplomats and about 20 local staff, representing a medium-sized foreign mission.

The German special envoy to Syria, Stefan Schneck, stated via X, “We are pleased to work closely with all Syrians for a better Syria.”

He also clarified that the embassy’s team remains small, so visa and consular matters will continue to be handled from Beirut for the time being.

Initially, the representation will be handled by the German envoy, who will serve as Chargé d’Affaires until an ambassador is appointed later.

On January 3, Baerbock visited Damascus alongside her French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, and met with the transitional president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.

Baerbock stated at that time that she wanted to support Syrians in a comprehensive and peaceful transition of power, which would serve the communal interest and contribute to reconstruction.

The German minister considered that the new beginning in Syria would be through granting the Syrian community, in all its categories and segments, a place in the political process, providing them with rights and ensuring a livelihood, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.

At the end of the visit, the German foreign minister, who came as a representative of the European Union, presented a set of European guidelines regarding future support for the new Syrian administration.

Baerbock said that it is essential to involve all Syrian groups, including women and Kurds, in the political transition process in Syria if Damascus wants European support.

She also emphasized the need to include all ethnic groups in the transition to democracy, ensuring that potential European funds do not fall into the hands of what she described as “new Islamic structures.”

The two European ministers arrived in Damascus accompanied by representatives from civil society and held several meetings, including with a delegation of Christian clergy, as well as visiting the Sednaya prison and meeting with the Syria Civil Defence there.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed hope that Syria would be “sovereign and secure” and would not leave room for terrorism, chemical weapons, or malicious foreign entities during a meeting with representatives of Syrian civil society organizations.