More than three months after the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, Germany has officially reopened its embassy in Damascus. The reopening, which occurred on Thursday, marks a significant step towards restoring relations between Germany and the new Syrian leadership. The German embassy had been closed in 2012 amidst the intense conflict of the Syrian civil war.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who is visiting Syria for the second time since the collapse of the Assad regime, officially reopened the embassy. While a small contingent of German diplomats will resume their activities in Damascus, consular services, such as visa issuance, will continue to be managed from Beirut, Lebanon, according to Baerbock.

The move signals Berlin's willingness to engage with the post-Assad leadership in Damascus, a government grappling with substantial humanitarian and security challenges as it endeavors to rebuild the country. Germany is currently home to over one million Syrians, many of whom sought refuge during the bloody civil war.

During her visit, Baerbock is scheduled to meet with Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as representatives from various civil society organizations. This visit follows closely on the heels of violent clashes in northwestern Syria between Assad loyalists and forces aligned with the new government, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London-based monitoring group, reports that over 1,500 people have been killed in the recent violence, the majority of whom were civilians from the Alawite religious minority, to which Assad belongs.

Prior to her arrival in Syria, Baerbock, speaking from Beirut, strongly condemned the “targeted killing of civilians,” labeling it a “terrible crime” that has significantly eroded trust. She urged the transitional government to exert control over its constituent groups and ensure accountability for those responsible for the violence.

Baerbock reiterated Germany's ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Syria and indicated a potential easing of sanctions, contingent upon specific conditions. She stated, "A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible," emphasizing the need for clear commitments to guarantee freedom, security, and equal opportunities for all Syrians, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or religion.

As a tangible demonstration of support, Germany announced a contribution of €300 million ($325 million) in reconstruction aid for Syria during a recent donor conference, which collectively generated pledges totaling €5.8 billion. In related developments, Italy reopened its embassy in Syria last year, prior to Assad's fall, while Spain reopened its embassy after his departure.