Germany Reopens Embassy in Syria

Germany has officially reopened its embassy in Damascus after 13 years of closure, marking a significant shift in diplomatic relations with Syria.

The announcement was made by German envoy to Syria, Stefan Schneck, on Saturday, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock led the reopening ceremony, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to working closely with Syrians for a better future.

While the embassy is now operational, Schneck noted that its team remains small, and visa and consular services will continue to be handled from Beirut for the time being.

This marks Baerbock’s second visit to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8.

Before her first visit, she stated that she was approaching Syria with an open hand but clear expectations from the new administration, stressing that Germany’s stance would be shaped by the actions of Syria’s leadership.

Germany has expressed its desire for Syria to regain its standing in the international community, a goal that also aligns with Europe’s broader security interests.

The embassy’s reopening signals a potential shift in Western engagement with Syria, though it remains to be seen how relations will evolve in the coming months.