German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is embarking on a one-day visit to Syria alongside her French counterpart, representing the EU. This trip will include a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria’s new governing authority, as announced by the German foreign ministry on Friday.

Baerbock emphasized that her visit, in collaboration with her French colleague and on behalf of the EU, sends a strong message to the Syrian people: a new political chapter between Europe and Syria, as well as between Germany and Syria, is achievable.

She expressed her intention to approach Syria with an “outstretched hand” following the rebels’ takeover of Damascus on December 8, which led to President Bashar al-Assad’s departure after over 13 years of civil conflict and the end of his family’s long-standing rule. Baerbock concluded by stating that the objective is to help Syria regain its status as a respected member of the international community, a sentiment shared by millions of Syrians.