Germany, France ready to cooperate with new Syrian leadership

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed their willingness to engage with Syria's new leadership, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, under certain conditions, a statement from the German government revealed after a call between the two leaders.

According to the statement, both leaders agreed to collaborate with Syria's new rulers, emphasising the importance of fundamental human rights and safeguarding ethnic and religious minorities.

Scholz and Macron also welcomed the removal of Assad, noting the immense suffering he inflicted on the Syrian people and the extensive damage caused to the country.

The two leaders expressed their intention to strengthen the European Union's role in Syria, focusing on support for a political process that is inclusive, and pledged to coordinate closely with Middle Eastern partners on future steps.