Syria and Germany have formalized an air transport agreement, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation on economic recovery, reconstruction, investment, and refugee matters. The agreement was signed in Damascus by Qutaiba Kadish, Syria’s director of international cooperation, and Geza Andreas von Geyr, Germany’s Minister of State at the Foreign Office. Following the signing, the inaugural session of the newly established Syrian-German Joint Committee took place, focusing on various sectors, including civil aviation and energy, as well as issues related to transitional justice and the return of Syrian refugees from Germany. Additionally, the air transport agreement creates a legal framework for air travel between the two countries, facilitating coordination of civil aviation authorities and operational approvals. This agreement follows Germany’s recent diplomatic engagement with Syria, including the reopening of its embassy in March 2025 after a long closure.
Why It Matters
The signing of this air transport agreement signifies a thaw in relations between Germany and Syria, following years of diplomatic isolation due to the Syrian Civil War. Germany had closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 in response to the escalating conflict and the brutal crackdown on protests against the Assad regime. Recently, Syria has been making efforts to re-establish ties with various countries, particularly amid ongoing humanitarian crises, including the refugee situation. The establishment of the Syrian-German Joint Committee underscores an effort to address pressing issues like economic recovery and the safe return of displaced individuals, highlighting Germany’s role in potential reconstruction efforts in post-conflict Syria.
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