French and German Ministers Visit Damascus, Call for Ceasefire and Kurdish Role in Syria

Peregraf

The French and German foreign ministers made a historic visit to Damascus, meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria. The high-profile visit marked a significant shift in European engagement with Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

During their visit, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and France’s Foreign Minister Barrot called for an immediate ceasefire in northern Syria and emphasized the need for Kurdish political inclusion in shaping Syria’s future.

“Kurdish security is also important for a peaceful Syria,” Baerbock stated. She stressed the necessity of integrating Kurdish forces and the Syrian National Army into a unified security framework. “The start of dialogue with the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces is an important first step in this direction,” she added.

Barrot echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgency of a political resolution. “A lasting ceasefire must be implemented in northern Syria,” he said. Barrot also emphasized the inclusion of France’s Kurdish allies in the political process, ensuring their full participation in shaping Syria’s governance.

The French minister further underscored the importance of regional stability. “We will not tolerate the resurgence of Islamic terrorism that disrupts Syria’s peace or threatens the security of France and Europe,” he asserted.

The visit by Baerbock and Barrot represents the most senior-level engagement between European officials and Syria since the fall of Assad’s regime. It signals a potential shift in European foreign policy, focusing on reconciliation and political solutions in Syria.