Berlin (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set to visit Syria for the first time on Thursday to meet representatives from the new government, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the ministry confirmed.
Reports indicate that Syria’s relations have started to thaw with the West as the U.S. has rolled back sanctions, and other European countries have established more amicable ties. Wadephul will be joined by a German delegation of parliamentarians, and he will meet with Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani before continuing to Lebanon and Bahrain, according to the ministry’s announcement.
What message did Wadephul deliver ahead of his trip?
“With the overthrow of the Assad dictatorship, the people of Syria have entered a new era,”
Wadephul said in a statement released by his ministry, referring to the expelled leader, Bashar al-Assad.
“Syria faces immense challenges,”
Wadephul said.
“It needs a government that guarantees all citizens, regardless of gender, religious, ethnic or social affiliation, a life of dignity and security.”
“Many have not only found protection here, but also a new home,”
Wadephul said.
“Some are also considering returning to Syria to rebuild their country. I would like to deepen this special relationship between our countries together with our partners in Syria.”
What role did Former FM Annalena Baerbock play in rebuilding ties?
Wadephul’s predecessor, Annalena Baerbock, who served in Germany’s previous government, had also travelled to Syria. During a one-day visit to Damascus in March 2025, Annalena Baerbock officially reopened the German embassy in war-torn Syria.
She urged the transitional government of interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa to
“control the actions of the groups within its own ranks and hold those responsible accountable.”
She emphasised that
“we want to support the Syrians together with our European partners and the United Nations”
as they work to rebuild their country.
Baerbock, in her statement, warned Syria’s interim authorities that a “new start” with Europe depends on their ability to provide security for all Syrians, regardless of faith, gender, or ethnicity. She noted that many Syrians
“are scared that life in the future Syria will not be safe for all Syrians.”
