German FM advocates for reliable security assurances for Syria’s Kurds
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – German Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock emphasized on Friday the need for reliable security guarantees for Kurdish communities in Syria following the fall of the deposed regime and its leader, Bashar al-Assad.
“The security of the Kurds is also essential for peaceful Syria,” Baerbock told reporters. “This requires an end to the fighting in the north and the integration of the Kurdish forces as well as the SNA into a pan-Syrian security architecture, which gives true security to everyone.”
She added that talks between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the new authorities in Damascus “is an important first step.”
The German minister highlighted the importance of involving all segments of Syrian society in the country’s reconstruction efforts, saying that all communities of Syrian society has a voice in rebuilding the nation.
She revealed that Europe would withhold financial support from any newly formed Islamist structures, a message communicated to Ahmad al-Sharaa, defacto leader of the new administration of Syria.
In her concluding remarks, Baerbock reiterated the importance of an open political process. “This process must be accessible to all Syrians – women and men alike, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds,” she said, underlining the need for a democratic and pluralistic approach to Syria’s future.
Baerbock, alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, arrived in Damascus early Friday morning for a historic meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa. This marks their first visit to Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The visit is widely seen as a pivotal moment in international efforts to rebuild Syria and address the political and security challenges that have plagued the country for over a decade.
The primary agenda of the visit included affirming support for the newly formed Syrian interim administration and discussing the role of key stakeholders, such as the Kurdish communities, in shaping Syria’s future.
Both ministers aim to advance peace and security in Syria, with an emphasis on countering the resurgence of terrorism. France, in particular, has maintained a strong partnership with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against ISIS, recognizing their critical role in regional stability.