French and German Foreign Ministers call for 'an inclusive Syria'

Paul Myers

4 January 2025 at 7:53 am·2-min read

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot (centre) and his German counterpart, Annalenna Baerbock, (left) met Syria's de factor leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (right) in Damascus.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock emerged from talks with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, stressing their hopes that he will construct a more inclusive society than previous ruler Bashar-al Assad.

The pair – the first ministers from the EU to travel to the Syrian capital since al-Sharaa's forces seized control on 8 December – held talks with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) chief at the People’s Palace in Damascus on Friday.

Baerbock said she and Barrot had made clear that Europe would support a new Syria. "But Europe will not be a financier of Islamist structures,” she added.

HTS remains for many western governments part of the international terrorist network even though it has tried to renounce its affiliations with al-Qaida.

Baerbock said all Syrians — regardless of ethnic or religious group — must have a place in the political process as well as rights and protection.

"I have heard from Syrians often that women’s rights are a yardstick for the future for everyone in a free society," Baerbock said. "Not only us but many Syrians will therefore judge the new rulers by their actions.

"Germany wants to help Syria become a safe home for all its people and a functioning state, with full control over its territory.”

Before meeting al-Sharaa, Barrot called for the destruction of the chemical weapons stockpiles built up by Assad's regime. He also urged a political solution with the Kurds in the north of the country.

On Saturday, the Syrian news agency SANA reported the reopening of Damascus airport.

Commercial services were suspended following the HTS takeover of power following 13 years of civil war.

"It is a real hope, but it is a fragile hope.”

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