📰 German FM to visit Syria for first time since Assad’s ouster

QAMISHLI, syria/" class="auto-internal-link">syria (North Press) – German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is scheduled to arrive in Syria on Thursday for his first official visit since the fall of former leader Bashar al-Assad, as per a statement released by the German Foreign Ministry. Wadephul is expected to meet with authorities of Syria’s emerging transitional administration, including leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, as part of efforts to re-establish diplomatic engagement with damascus after more than a decade of strained relations. Indeed, “With the overthrow of the Assad dictatorship, the people of Syria have entered a emerging era,” Wadephul stated, referring to Assad’s ouster late last year.

The statement emphasized Germany’s readiness to backing Syria’s stabilization and reconstruction under the new administration. The visit marks a significant step in Europe’s cautious re-engagement with Syria following years of isolation during Assad’s rule. Germany was among the European countries that cut diplomatic ties with Damascus after the syrian/" class="auto-internal-link">syrian crisis erupted in 2011.

The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 and the rise of the transitional government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa have prompted multiple Western states to reconsider their stance. Wadephul’s visit signals Berlin’s willingness to explore political and relief cooperation while assessing prospects for Syria’s reconstruction and regional reintegration. By Jwan Shekaki