Germany Reopens Embassy in Syria After 13 Years of Closure
The German embassy in Syria has reopened after 13 years of closure due to the civil war. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated the aims of her visit include promoting a new political beginning between Europe and Syria. This reopening follows Italy and Spain’s embassy decisions in the region, against a backdrop of significant shifts in Syrian leadership by HTS militants.
Germany has officially reopened its embassy in Damascus after a closure of 13 years, a direct result of the ongoing Syrian civil war. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock performed the reopening during her recent visit, as reported by the German news agency dpa. This marks a significant diplomatic move for Germany, one of the prominent powers within the European Union.
Within the EU, Germany’s reinstatement of diplomatic presence comes after Italy reopened its embassy last year and Spain did so post-Assad’s ouster. The reopening reflects a broader shift in European engagement with Syria amid changing political landscapes. Baerbock emphasized the objective of her visit is to convey that a fresh political beginning is achievable between Europe and Syria, as well as between Germany and Syria.
The backdrop of this diplomatic shift includes recent developments as militants, primarily from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of Damascus on December 8, marking the impactful end of Assad’s reign. The HTS’s leader, Abu Muhammad Jolani, also known as Ahmad Sharaa, has proclaimed himself the interim president of Syria following this sudden takeover, which was executed rapidly from the group’s stronghold in northwestern Syria.
The reopening of the German embassy in Damascus symbolizes a potential shift towards renewed diplomatic relations and political dialogue in Syria. With Germany joining other EU nations in returning diplomatic presence, the message from Foreign Minister Baerbock underscores possibilities for a new beginning in Europe-Syria relations amid changing governance dynamics in the region.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
