French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock visited Damascus on January 3, urging the new Islamist regime to conduct a peaceful and inclusive transition of power in Syria, Alsharq reported.

The diplomats meeting with de-facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, former leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, come as the group continues to merge with the existing power structures in the country. This is the first visit by senior European officials to the Syrian capital since the fall of Assad, following several other visitors, including Ukrainian and neighbouring Turkish and Arab officials. 

As part of their visit, the diplomats visited the former regime’s notorious Sednaya prison, home to some of the worst atrocities in Syria’s recent history, while also meeting with civil society and minorities in a show of support for the country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government on December 8. 

“Our message to Syria’s new leadership: respecting the principles agreed with regional actors and ensuring the protection of all civilians and minorities is of the utmost importance,” the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said

Al-Sharaa welcomed the ministers at the People's Palace in Damascus, where they were visiting under the European Union's (EU) mandate.

In a post on X, the French minister wrote: "Together, France and Germany stand with all Syrians, from every walk of life." He further noted that both countries are committed to supporting "a peaceful and effective transition for the benefit of Syrians and to ensure regional stability."

Before her arrival, Baerbock said, "This visit, alongside my French counterpart and on behalf of the EU, delivers a clear message to the Syrian people: A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, and between Germany and Syria, is possible."

She added, "With this extended hand, but also with clear expectations from the new leadership, we come to Damascus today."

France raised its flag over its Damascus embassy on December 17 for the first time in 12 years as the European Union outlined plans for renewed engagement with Syria following recent political changes.

French diplomats made an initial assessment visit to Damascus, meeting with representatives of Syria's transitional authorities, the foreign ministry said.

Following the fall of Assad, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a series of measures aimed at supporting Syria's transition, including the establishment of an air bridge for humanitarian aid and the return of EU diplomats to Damascus.

"We will do our part to support Syria at this critical juncture," von der Leyen said. She added that the EU would begin discussions on easing sanctions, conditional on a peaceful political transition.

The Commission president said that any return of displaced Syrians "must be voluntary and respect their humanity," signalling EU priorities for the country's stabilisation process.

France has stated that any political transition must be "credible and inclusive" in line with United Nations frameworks, reflecting broader European conditions for re-engagement with Damascus.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha led a high-level delegation to Damascus on December 30 for talks with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, official Syrian media reported.

The Ukrainians pledged strategic cooperation and humanitarian assistance as Ukraine moves to establish relations with Syria's new administration following the collapse of the previous Assad regime on December 8.

The delegation, which included Ukraine's agriculture minister and a presidential special representative, discussed wide-ranging partnerships in political, economic and social spheres.