Spain Reopens Its Embassy in Syria After 12 Years

Madrid’s embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, has officially been reopened after being closed for 12 years.

The reopening of the embassy was done in the presence of top diplomats, nearly a decade after suspending its activity, as Western nations are renewing their ties with Syria after the removal from power of Syria’s President, Bashar Assad, Schengen.News reports. 

The Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described it as an honour to be present in Damascus during the reopening of the embassy, while meeting with the head of the new authority, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Prensa Latina explains.

The Minister told local media that Syria must be peaceful and inclusive and the rights of all must be respected, taking also into account those of women and ethnic and religious minorities.

Hungary to Soon Reopen Its Embassy in Syria, Too 
After the stabilisation of the security situation in Syria earlier this month, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó said that the country is reopening its embassy in Damascus.

Announcing the decision, the Minister considered it an important stem after the Hungarian presence in Syria would allow them to gain credible and first-hand information related to local development.

The Hungarian Minister said that Hungary has a great interest in peace and stability in the Middle East and pays special attention to the communities of Christians who live in this territory. 

EU to Reopen Delegation in Syria & Tighten Bilateral Relations 
In December 2024, the European Union’s head of diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said that the European Union wants to reopen the delegation in Syria. 

According to Kallas, it will result in the reopening of EU embassies in the capital of Syria and tightening the bilateral relations between the EU countries and Syria. 

In a debate at the European Parliament, Kallas considered it an important step, stressing that the UE must be present in the Middle Eastern country instead of leaving a vacuum.

Source: https://schengen.news/spain-reopens-its-embassy-in-syria-after-12-years/