German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is scheduled to embark on a journey to Saudi Arabia this upcoming Sunday to participate in an international assembly aimed at delving into the ongoing developments in Syria subsequent to the removal of former leader Bashar al-Assad. The gathering is slated to convene foreign ministers from a selection of nations within the region, along with representatives from Western states and the United Nations, in the capital city of Riyadh, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the German Foreign Office.
Following a swift offensive carried out by the hardline Islamist militant faction known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in late 2024, al-Assad’s forces were forcefully expelled from key urban centers such as Aleppo and Damascus, ultimately compelling the longstanding Syrian despot to seek refuge in Moscow. Presently, HTS holds sway over a transitional administration, although significant swathes of Syrian territory still lie beyond its dominion, falling under the governance of other armed factions, including Kurdish rebel units.
The spokesperson from the Foreign Office highlighted that the forthcoming conference in Riyadh on Sunday is set to build upon the discussions initiated during a preceding conference convened in mid-December in Aqaba, Jordan. It was further underscored that Baerbock had put forth a comprehensive eight-point proposition for Syria, advocating for a peaceful shift towards a political framework that guarantees rights and representation for all segments of Syrian society, while also emphasizing the imperative need to address the heinous transgressions committed by the al-Assad regime.
In early January, during a visit to Syria, Baerbock, in collaboration with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, endeavored to establish explicit conditions for the provision of European Union support to the nation. This strategic move was a pivotal step towards promoting stability and fostering the prospect of sustainable peace within the embattled region.
The impending conference in Riyadh is thus poised to serve as a vital platform for further collaboration and strategic planning among key stakeholders invested in the resolution of the Syrian crisis. By harnessing collective efforts and fostering a spirit of cooperation, the international community can potentially pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for the people of Syria, underpinned by principles of justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.
As Baerbock embarks on this diplomatic mission, her unwavering commitment to advocating for the interests of the Syrian populace and championing the cause of peace underscores Germany’s steadfast dedication to promoting global stability and upholding the values of democracy and human dignity on the international stage. Through her proactive engagement and principled stance on critical issues, Baerbock exemplifies the essence of responsible leadership and the imperative of fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration in pursuit of a more prosperous and harmonious world for all.
