The French and German foreign ministers have met Syria’s new leaders and called for an inclusive transition of power, in the first visit by European Union ministers to Syria since the Assad regime fell in December.

Since ousting Assad, Syria’s new rulers have sought to reassure Arab countries and the international community that they will govern on behalf of all Syrians and not export Islamist revolution

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she prioritized women’s rights while meeting Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus on Jan. 3.

The German and French foreign ministers are heading to Damascus to send what the German minister said is a clear signal that a “political new beginning” between Europe and Syria is possible

The foreign ministers of Germany and France said they wanted to forge a new relationship with Syria and urged a peaceful transition as they met its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Friday on behalf of the European Union.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot visited the notorious Saydnaya prison on Friday, during their visit to Syria.

The French and German foreign ministers are the most senior Western officials to visit Syria since longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad was toppled by rebels.