Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Damascus this Friday morning, followed by his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock. The two diplomats aim to meet the new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Charaa, as well as visit Saydnaya prison, according to French media sources.
In a speech at the headquarters of the French embassy in Damascus, Jean-Noël Barrot expressed his wish to see a “sovereign, stable and peaceful Syria”. However, he stressed that this hope remains “real but fragile”, reports France 24.
Accompanied by Jean-Noël Barrot, Annalena Baerbock declared: “My trip today, with my French counterpart and on behalf of the EU, is a clear signal addressed to the Syrians: a new political departure between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria is possible. » She also added that their visit to Damascus is being done “with this outstretched hand, but also with clear expectations towards the new leaders”, according to the same media.
Jean-Noël Barrot also announced France's intention to gradually prepare for the return of its diplomatic presence in Damascus, depending on the evolution of the security situation. The two ministers also plan to meet with representatives of Syrian civil society, a community historically repressed by the Assad regime and often marginalized.
According to our colleagues from Anadolu, this visit marks a significant step in relations between Europe and Syria. The presence of the ministers at Saydnaya prison symbolizes recognition of the suffering inflicted under the previous regime. Anadolu underlines the importance of this diplomatic approach to support a political recovery in the region.
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