Germany officially reopened its embassy in Syria on Thursday, re-establishing diplomatic ties with the country’s new leadership as it grapples with ongoing humanitarian and security challenges following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock led the reopening ceremony during her visit to Damascus, according to officials accompanying her.

With a significant Syrian diaspora in Germany, the country is treading a cautious path—re-engaging with Syria’s new rulers while emphasizing the need for minority rights protection.

The newly reopened embassy currently hosts a small political team, with plans for gradual expansion depending on conditions on the ground, officials stated. However, due to security constraints and limited resources, visa and consular services will continue to be processed from Beirut, Lebanon.

Baerbock previously met Syria’s new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, earlier this year—just weeks after Islamist rebels under his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) faction ousted Assad, ending over 13 years of brutal civil war.

Tensions remain high, with recent clashes between Assad loyalists and the country’s new leadership resulting in over 1,000 deaths, primarily civilians, according to a war monitoring group.

German diplomats believe that an on-the-ground presence will allow them to play a more active role in Syria’s stabilization, fostering diplomatic engagement and advocating for an inclusive political transition.