03.01.2025 19:30
The Foreign Ministers of Germany and France made a visit to Damascus to meet with the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Ahmed al-Shara. During the visit, it was notable that the two ministers did not shake hands with Ahmed al-Shara.
After the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, the new government established in the country continues to implement significant changes in both domestic and foreign policy.
HIGH-LEVEL VISIT
A critical visit took place in Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met today in the capital Damascus with the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Shara.
This was the first ministerial-level visit to Syria from the European Union (EU) after the HTS-led groups took control of Damascus and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's administration.
THEY DID NOT SHAKE HANDS
Notable moments occurred during the meeting. The two ministers did not shake hands with Ahmed al-Shara, who extended his hand. French Foreign Minister Barrot brushed aside Shara's outstretched hand with the tips of his fingers, while German Foreign Minister Baerbock did not extend her hand.