Germany Times

Unity and Justice and Freedom
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025

Germany Reopens Embassy in Syria After 13-Year Closure

Germany Reopens Embassy in Syria After 13-Year Closure

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits Damascus, emphasizing the need for accountability as the country confronts humanitarian challenges.
Germany has officially reopened its embassy in Syria's capital, Damascus, following a closure that lasted over 13 years due to the ongoing civil war.

This move comes three months after the fall of former President Bashar Assad.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, during her second visit to Syria since the regime's collapse, oversaw the embassy's reopening.

A small group of German diplomats will resume operations in Damascus, while consular activities, including visa services, will remain centralized in Beirut, Lebanon.

The reopening is notable in the context of evolving diplomatic relations between Berlin and the Syrian leadership, which continues to confront significant humanitarian and security challenges as it seeks to rebuild the war-torn nation.

Germany is home to over 1 million Syrians who fled the violence and instability stemming from the civil war.

During her visit, Baerbock engaged with Syria's transitional leaders, underlining the urgency of controlling and holding accountable extremist factions linked to recent violent clashes that have caused extensive casualties.

She remarked on the need to prevent further escalations and ensure accountability for those responsible for sectarian violence.

Her discussions in Damascus occurred shortly after deadly confrontations in northwestern Syria between Assad loyalists and newly established government forces, reportedly resulting in over 1,500 fatalities, primarily among civilians from the Alawite minority.

Prior to her trip, Baerbock condemned what she termed the 'targeted killing of civilians,' characterizing it as a heinous crime that undermines trust within the region.

She reiterated the necessity for the transitional leadership to maintain accountability and control over various factions operating in its territory.

Baerbock also reaffirmed Germany's ongoing support for humanitarian initiatives in Syria and signaled a potential easing of sanctions, depending on specific reforms.

She indicated that renewed diplomatic engagement between Syria and Europe, particularly with Germany, is possible and emphasized the importance of commitments to uphold freedom, security, and equal opportunities for all Syrians, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.

Additionally, Germany has pledged €300 million (approximately $325 million) in reconstruction aid, part of a larger donor conference resulting in total commitments of €5.8 billion.

Other European Union nations, including Italy and Spain, have also reopened their embassies in Syria, albeit at different times in relation to the status of Assad's regime.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Specialized anti-drone weapons deployed among security personnel Ahead of Papal Funeral
Bill Maher Slams Liberals for ‘Trump is Hitler’ Smear: ‘Insult to Holocaust Victims
EU Commission Postpones Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Imports
Global Reactions to New U.S. Tariffs Announced by President Trump
Europe's Shift Towards Local Tech Alternatives Amid US Tensions
OpenAI Secures Historic $40 Billion Funding Round Amid Transition Challenges
Passenger Arrested After Indecent Act During SWISS Air Flight
Global Oil Prices Experience Volatility Amid Geopolitical Tensions
OpenAI Launches Advanced Image Generator for ChatGPT
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini Cleared of Corruption Charges by Swiss Court
Germany Approves National Debt Increase for Military Investments
Understanding Dogecoin: Origins, Market Dynamics, and Current Trends
Europe's Shift: Increasing Defense Spending at the Expense of Welfare and Health
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu Interrogated Amid National Protests
The Evolution of the Chinese Automotive Industry: A Global Perspective
Trump and Zelenskyy Engage in Constructive Dialogue Amidst Ceasefire Talks
Federal Reserve Lowers Economic Growth Projections Amid Tariff Concerns
EU Accuses Google and Apple of Violating Digital Market Rules Amid Tensions with U.S.
Serbia's Government Faces Criticism Over Use of Sonic Weapons Against Protesters
Massive Protests Erupt in Serbia Following Deadly Railway Station Collapse
China Launches 'Zhulong' C-14 Nuclear Battery Promising Extended Lifespan
Facebook and X Approve Advertisements Containing Anti-Semitic and Anti-Muslim Content in Germany
NATO Announces Shift in Policy Regarding Ukraine Membership
Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Brink of a Major Crisis Amidst Rising Tensions
Putin Expresses Skepticism Over U.S.-Proposed Ceasefire in Ukraine
French PM Bayrou Defies US Tariff Threats Amid Growing Trade Tensions
EU Announces Retaliatory Tariffs Against U.S. Imports Amid Trade Tensions
Romania Disqualifies Far-Right Candidate Călin Georgescu from Presidential Election Rerun
Romania Excludes Top Presidential Contender Călin Georgescu from Election Repetition
Radioactive Coolant Leak Reported at Olkiluoto 3 Nuclear Reactor
Russian Teacher Investigated Following Explicit Content Display in Classroom
Poland Initiates Comprehensive Military Training for Adult Males Amid Defense Enhancements
Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention Amid Heightened Security Concerns
Trump Expresses Preference for Negotiation with Russia Over Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Stresses Need for US Leadership in Peace Negotiations
EU Member States Endorse Implementation of Entry/Exit System for Non-EU Visitors
Italian MEPs Suspend Membership Amid Ongoing Qatargate Investigation
Europe Considers Strategy for Utilizing Frozen Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine
Macron Calls for Strengthened European Defense amid Russian Threats
Germany Proposes Changes to EU Fiscal Rules to Increase Defense Spending
Russia Completes Passport Issuance Program in Occupied Ukrainian Territories
Macron Plans Joint Diplomatic Visit to Washington with Zelensky and Starmer
UK and France Join Forces with Ukraine to Address Conflict with Russia
Pope Francis Remains in Stable Condition During Ongoing Recovery
MPs Express Serious Concerns Over Cuts to UK’s Aid Budget
United States Establishes Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve, Sparks Market Surge
Pope Francis Hospitalized with Pneumonia: Health Update from the Vatican
Mercedes Confirms Upcoming Smaller Variant of the Iconic G-Class
Germany's Election Results: Migrants Face Uncertainty Amid Rising Far-Right Support
Macron Reiterates Support for Ukraine's Sovereignty in Light of US-Russia Peace Discussions
×