12 days have passed since the dictator Assad fled Syria and his regime was toppled. 12 days in which the people in many parts of Syria have breathed a sigh of relief. 12 days in which Syrian refugees around the world have reacted euphorically to the end of the dictatorship in their home country. Germany, too, is actively responding. In recent days, an official German delegation travelled to Damascus and held important talks with the transitional government. Foreign Minister Baerbock is now travelling to Turkey to speak with her counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara about the next steps in the process.

Prior to her departure, Foreign Minister Baerbock stated:

Turkey is a key player in the Middle East. Our two countries now have a responsibility to play an active role in the Syrian peace process. Syria must neither become a plaything of foreign powers nor an experiment of radical forces, said Foreign Minister Baerbock. Peace in Syria can only be achieved on the basis of democratic processes and the participation of all groups within Syrian society.

Germany stands ready to work with the transitional government and will judge it by its actions. We have already drawn up an eight-point plan for Syria. The focus is on responsible policy in the interest of the entire Syrian people. Preserving Syria’s territorial integrity is also essential for the future of the country.

Lasting peace requires patience, resolve and international cooperation

Turkey and Germany are home to the two largest communities of refugees from Syria, with 1 million in Germany and almost 3 million in Turkey. Beyond this, our two countries share other unique ties as well.

During her visit to Ankara, the Foreign Minister will also speak directly with Syrian refugees in order to hear their stories and experiences first-hand and, above all, to understand their concerns.

She will be accompanied on her trip by Minister of State Tobias Lindner, Federal Foreign Office Special Coordinator for Syria.