French and German FMs Make Unannounced Visit to Damascus to Meet New Syrian Leader

Jan 3, 2025, 09:32 AM

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made an unannounced visit to Damascus on Friday to meet with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. This visit marks the first high-level engagement by European Union diplomats since the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad last month. The ministers are expected to discuss the future of Syria and potential support from the European Union. Baerbock arrived wearing a bulletproof vest, underscoring the ongoing security concerns in the region. They also plan to visit the notorious Sednaya prison north of Damascus. The visit signifies a significant step toward re-establishing diplomatic relations between Syria and Western countries.