Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus on Thursday, more than three months after the fall of former Syrian regime. The embassy had been closed in 2012 during the Syrian civil war.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, visiting Syria for the second time since Assad’s regime collapsed, officially marked the reopening. While some German diplomats will resume duties in Damascus, consular services, such as visa issuance, will remain in Beirut.
This move signals a thaw in relations between Germany and Syria, which is struggling with humanitarian and security issues as it attempts to rebuild. Baerbock emphasized the need to control extremist groups responsible for recent sectarian violence and called for accountability.
She also reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid and announced €300 million in reconstruction support for Syria.
