German and French foreign ministers arrive in Syria on behalf of the European Union

On January 3, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot paid an official visit to Syria on behalf of the European Union. They held talks with the country's new leader, Ahmed al-Shar, and representatives of civil society.

The visit is a very important political step for the European Union, as it is the first time that European foreign ministers have visited Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime. A statement on the German Foreign Ministry's website said the aim was to support the peace process, the protection of human rights and a peaceful transfer of power.

According to Berbock, the new Syrian government should fully involve all ethnic and religious groups, as well as women, in the political process.

"The Syrian people have been given the opportunity to determine their own destiny. International cooperation is essential to strengthen this process," said Berbock.

The visit also discussed the issue of closing Russia's military bases in Syria. Burbock and Barro described this as a necessary step to ensure the sovereignty and stability of the region. The European Union expressed its support for the territorial integrity of Syria and its efforts to minimize the consequences of external intervention.

A transitional government was formed in the country after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8. The renewed government is led by Mohammed al-Bashir.