The transfer represents a major step within the restoration of relations between Damascus and Berlin.
Germany has a big inhabitants of greater than 1 million Syrian residents, lots of whom fled their homeland in the course of the bloody civil struggle.
The battle lastly ended late final yr with the overthrow of the dictator al-Assad, who fled to Russia as his regime collapsed following a lightning offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
A transitional authorities led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa has since been working to revive safety and revive the nation’s shattered economic system after greater than a decade of battle.
Baerbock was set to fulfill al-Sharaa and representatives of civil society organizations on Thursday in her second go to to Syria since al-Assad’s regime fell.
The nation stays extremely divided, with Baerbock’s journey coming simply two weeks after violent clashes in north-western Syria left lots of lifeless.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London-based monitor, has recorded greater than 1,500 individuals killed within the violence, most of them civilians from the Alawite non secular minority – the sect to which al-Assad belongs.
Talking from Beirut earlier than her flight to Syria, Baerbock condemned the “focused killing of civilians,” calling it a “horrible crime” that had induced vital harm to belief.
The overseas minister reaffirmed Germany’s dedication to offering continued humanitarian support to Syria, whereas additionally signalling a possible easing of sanctions – however solely beneath sure circumstances.
“A brand new political starting between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is feasible,” mentioned Baerbock, including that this is able to require clear commitments to make sure freedom, safety and equal alternatives for all Syrians, no matter gender, ethnicity, or faith.
A small variety of German diplomats are set to renew actions in Damascus, however consular work reminiscent of issuing visas will proceed to be carried out in Beirut, Baerbock confirmed.
