The series of meetings in Damascus with global leaders continues, including one with Ahmed al-Shara, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, who led the transitional government after the end of Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year authoritarian rule in Syria.
According to international news agencies, France and Germany’s foreign ministers have arrived in Damascus to discuss peace in the Middle East and Syria’s evolving situation, meeting with Ahmed al-Shara.
Both leaders stressed the need for elections to ensure a peaceful and inclusive transfer of power in Syria, calling for the representation of all segments of society, minorities, and especially women in the government.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock informed al-Shara that Europe would not support any new Islamic structure, stating that such a move would not be in the interest of Europe or the broader region. She added that the European Union and its member countries would fully cooperate in Syria’s reconstruction but would not encourage the establishment of a new Islamic framework.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot agreed with his German counterpart, discussing the future of Kurdish militants in Syria, who have been supported by France in the fight against ISIS.
According to AFP, Ahmed al-Shara, the Supreme Commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the head of the Syrian government, assured the foreign ministers of the protection of minorities.
During their visit to Syria, the French and German foreign ministers also met with leaders from civil society and minority groups in Damascus.
