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French and German Foreign Ministers Make Historic Syria Visit to Promote Peaceful Transition

Jan 3, 2025, 05:28 AM

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Damascus for talks with Syrian officials, marking the first high-level visit by EU foreign ministers to Syria in recent years. The visit aims to promote a peaceful transition of power through an inclusive, Syrian-led process that ensures the rights of all Syrians and serves regional stability. The ministers emphasized their commitment to stand with the Syrian people in all their diversity and highlighted the risks of continued instability, including threats posed by extremist groups. Prior to the visit, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed developments in Syria and Lebanon with Barrot, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach to help the Lebanese people rebuild their institutions.