Germany Reopens Embassy in Damascus After 13 Years

In a significant move signaling the shift in diplomatic relations, Germany has officially reopened its embassy in Damascus, Syria, after a closure that lasted more than a decade. The embassy had been closed since 2012 following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, but the reopening comes amid shifting dynamics in the region.

The reopening was led by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her visit to Damascus, marking a critical step in Germany's diplomatic engagement with Syria. According to Schengen.News, Baerbock met with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa before announcing the embassy’s reopening.

Baerbock emphasized Germany’s commitment to Syria's stability, stating, "With this embassy opening, we are saying very clearly that Germany is back in Damascus. Germany has a paramount interest in a stable Syria."

However, the embassy will operate with a small team and will not offer consular or visa services at this stage. The German Foreign Minister made it clear that the future presence of a full ambassador in Damascus will depend on further political and security developments in the country.

"Whether there will be an ambassador again depends on further political and, of course, security developments here," Baerbock explained.

She further reiterated that Germany seeks to support the political process in Syria, and her government is committed to helping move that process forward in a constructive way.

EU's Push to Reopen Delegation in Syria

Germany’s embassy reopening follows broader diplomatic efforts by the European Union to re-engage with Syria. In December 2024, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, confirmed plans to reopen a diplomatic delegation in Syria, which would pave the way for EU embassies in Damascus.

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative, stressed the importance of this move, saying, "We can’t leave a vacuum in Syria. The EU must be present."

This signals a renewed interest from European countries in re-establishing diplomatic relations with Syria, particularly after the end of Bashar al-Assad’s long-standing rule. Several nations have already reopened their embassies in Damascus this year, including Hungary and Spain.

Hungary made headlines in January with the announcement of its embassy's reopening, followed shortly by Spain, whose Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, expressed optimism during the reopening ceremony. "Raising the Spanish flag again is a sign of the hope we have for Syria’s future, of the commitment we convey to the Syrian people for a better future," Albares stated.

Italy, too, has joined the trend, reopening its embassy in Damascus in September 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Germany has reopened its embassy in Damascus after 13 years, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations with Syria.
• The embassy will initially operate with a small team and will not offer consular or visa services.
• EU countries, including Hungary, Spain, and Italy, have also reopened their embassies in Syria, reflecting growing diplomatic engagement.

Source: Schengen News