03.01.2025 16:30
French Foreign Minister Barrot and German Foreign Minister Baerbock met with HTS leader Ahmed al-Shara at the Presidential Palace in the capital, Damascus. This visit is of great significance as it marks the first ministerial-level visit to Syria from the EU following the collapse of the Assad regime.
The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met today in the capital Damascus with the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Shara.
A FIRST HAS TAKEN PLACE
This also marked the first ministerial-level visit from the European Union (EU) to Syria since the HTS-led groups took control of Damascus and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. During their visit, the two ministers expressed their desire to establish a new relationship with Syria and called for a peaceful transition.
THE WOMAN MINISTER DID NOT EXTEND HER HAND
During the greeting, Ahmed al-Shara shook Barrot's hand but did not shake Baerbock's hand, instead bringing his hand to his chest. Baerbock responded in a similar manner.