France has announced the sending of a diplomatic team to Syria on Tuesday, marking the first visit in 12 years since relations were severed with Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2012. The mission aims to assess the political landscape and security conditions following Assad’s ousting.
The French Foreign Ministry declared that this move signifies France’s commitment to support the Syrian people, although specific meetings have not been outlined. The team will evaluate the humanitarian needs and reconnect with new authorities in Damascus. This diplomatic outreach comes as most EU nations, while welcoming Assad’s fall, are cautious about engaging with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a significant role in his removal, due to its terrorist designation by the EU.
This visit represents a pivotal step in France’s foreign policy towards Syria, aligning with broader regional efforts to stabilize the country.