German Foreign Minister leaves arrives in Damascus in her second visit to Syria

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is heading to the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Thursday to hold talks with the transitional government and civil society representatives.

This visit is part of international efforts to enhance cooperation and find solutions to the ongoing crises in Syria.

Details of the visit’s itinerary have not been disclosed for security reasons.

Baerbock is accompanied on the trip by Armin Laschet, a member of parliament for the Christian Democratic Party.

Baerbock’s visit comes two weeks after the outbreak of violence in northwestern Syria, which has resulted in a large number of casualties.

In a statement before leaving the Lebanese capital, Beirut, the German minister strongly condemned what she described as the deliberate killing of civilians, considering it a heinous crime.

She called for those responsible to be held accountable, arguing that these events have contributed to a significant erosion of trust.

Despite these unfortunate events, Baerbock affirmed her country’s commitment to continuing to provide humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, noting the possibility of easing the sanctions, but only if certain conditions are met.

Baerbock noted that there is an opportunity for a new political beginning between Europe and Syria, as well as between Germany and Syria, but she emphasized the need to meet specific expectations regarding the freedom and safety of all citizens, both men and women, and of all ethnicities and religions.

This is Baerbock’s second visit to Syria since the overthrow the Assad regime nearly three months ago, as her second visit will witness the reopening of the German embassy in Damascus.

A few days earlier, during a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, Baerbock announced Germany’s provision of €300 million in aid to Syria.

She emphasized that lasting peace in Syria can only be achieved through a comprehensive political process, emphasizing that reconstruction requires enormous efforts, and that Germany will contribute to these efforts by supporting the United Nations and selected organizations with an additional €300 million.