German, French foreign ministers visit Syria to reset EU relations

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot are visiting Syria in a move aimed at resetting relations between the EU and the war-torn country, Reuters reported.

Their one-day trip to Damascus marks the first time top EU diplomats have visited since Syrian rebels forced President Bashar al-Assad to flee the capital on 8 December 2024.

Baerbock, speaking before her departure, described the visit as a “clear signal” to the Syrian people that a new political beginning is possible between Europe and Syria, stressing the potential for renewed ties between Germany and Syria.

Baerbock and Barrot have framed the visit as an opportunity for dialogue.