Damascus, Syria– German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced on Thursday the reopening of Germany’s embassy in Syria after 13 years of closure, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Baerbock is currently visiting the Syrian capital, Damascus, marking her second trip since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
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Her visit follows an earlier trip in January, where she, alongside French Minister Delegate for Europe Jean-Noël Barrot, met with Syria’s transitional leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister in the interim government, Asaad Al-Shibani.
Germany originally closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012, severing diplomatic ties with the Assad regime in response to the violent suppression of peaceful protests.
Earlier this week, Baerbock pledged an additional €300 million in humanitarian aid for Syria, to be distributed through the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations.
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Speaking before the ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, Baerbock emphasized that “more than half of this aid will directly benefit the Syrian people and will be delivered without the involvement of the interim government,” as reported by Reuters.
She added that the funds are intended to provide food, healthcare, emergency shelters, and protection for the most vulnerable communities.
Baerbock also highlighted that Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey would receive support under this aid package.
Reaffirming Germany’s stance on Syria’s future, Baerbock stressed the importance of a comprehensive political process to achieve lasting peace. She also renewed calls for an investigation into the killings of hundreds of civilians in coastal villages and for accountability for those responsible.
