German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is travelling to Syria for a one-day trip with her French counterpart on behalf of the EU, where she will meet Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria's new rulers, the German foreign ministry said on Friday.
"My trip today - together with my French counterpart and on behalf of the EU - is a clear signal to the Syrians: A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible," Baerbock said, according to a ministry statement issued before she left for Damascus.
Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot are the first top diplomats from the European Union to visit Syria since rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule.
"In Syria, we want to promote a peaceful and demanding transition in the service of the Syrians and for regional stability," Barrot said on social media platform X.
Since ousting Assad, Islamist rebels led by Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have sought to reassure Arab countries and the international community that they will govern on behalf of all Syrians and not export Islamist revolution.
Western governments have begun to gradually open channels with Sharaa and HTS, a Sunni Muslim group previously affiliated with Al Qaeda, and are starting to debate whether to remove the group's terrorist designation.
Baerbock said she was travelling to Syria with an "outstretched hand" as well as "clear expectations" of the new rulers, who she said would be judged by their actions.
"We know where the HTS comes from ideologically, what it has done in the past," said Baerbock.
"But we also hear and see the desire for moderation and for understanding with other important actors," she added, citing talks with U.S.-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The goal now is for Syria to once again become a respected member of the international community, she added.
Damascus Airport resumes international flights after a decade. Qatar Airways leads with weekly flights as Syria sees a major political shift.
Austria offers €1,000 to Syrian refugees for voluntary return after Assad's fall, citing Syria's need for rebuilding. Forced deportations remain on hold as the situation is reassessed.
Syria's prolonged crisis has left its electricity infrastructure in ruins, with the ongoing civil war causing a significant decline in the country's energy resources.
Azerbaijan has dispatched its first humanitarian aid convoy to Syria, carrying approximately 200 tons of essential supplies. The convoy is set to travel through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey before reaching the city of Idlib, where the aid will be distributed to those in need.
The United Nations has called for urgent action to address escalating risks in Syria, urging inclusive governance and a halt to aggression. Meanwhile, deadly clashes near Tartous have deepened concerns over stability in the region.
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Madrid's streets were filled with excitement as the Three Kings Parade returned, drawing thousands of spectators. The event marked the end of the Christmas season, with families and children celebrating the magic of the night.
The FBI has released video footage showing Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the deadly New Year's Day attack in New Orleans, recorded with Meta glasses during visits to the French Quarter months before the incident.
President Joe Biden criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s push to eliminate birthright citizenship, calling it "awful," while simultaneously signing a major bill to expand Social Security benefits for public retirees.
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Madrid's streets were filled with excitement as the Three Kings Parade returned, drawing thousands of spectators. The event marked the end of the Christmas season, with families and children celebrating the magic of the night.
Uzbekistan to host CITES COP20 in Samarkand, uniting 184 Parties to shape the future of wildlife trade, conservation, and sustainability during CITES’ 50th anniversary.
The Golden Globe awards on January 5 celebrated major wins for historical drama Shogun and UK-based series Baby Reindeer. The night also honored The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and notable performances from Colin Farrell and Jessica Gunning.
The FBI has released video footage showing Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect in the deadly New Year's Day attack in New Orleans, recorded with Meta glasses during visits to the French Quarter months before the incident.
President Joe Biden criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s push to eliminate birthright citizenship, calling it "awful," while simultaneously signing a major bill to expand Social Security benefits for public retirees.
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