European foreign ministers from Germany and France have emphasized the need to include all Syrian groups, including women and Kurds, in the country’s transition process. The ministers, Annalena Baerbock and Jean-Noel Barrot, met with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa during a visit aimed at forging a new relationship with Damascus.
The EU is seeking cautious engagement with Syria’s new rulers while urging moderation and respect for minorities’ rights. However, sanctions imposed on Syria are unlikely to be lifted soon, according to Baerbock, who said it was too early to act given the lack of political progress.
Baerbock stressed that European funds should not fall into the hands of “new Islamist structures” and called for a peaceful transition. The EU also plans to offer technical help and advice to Syria as it drafts a new constitution. A permanent ceasefire must be achieved, with Kurdish fighters integrated into the Syrian state.
The visit marks the first time EU ministers have visited Syria since rebels seized control of Damascus in December, ending more than 13 years of civil war and Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/germanys-foreign-minister-heads-damascus-one-day-trip-2025-01-03