France resumes diplomatic relations with Syria after 12 years.
French media reported that Paris will send four diplomats to Damascus on Tuesday, the first time in 12 years that diplomatic relations with Syria have been severed.
According to Jean-Noël Barrot, acting French Foreign Minister, the diplomats will aim to “restore French influence” in Syria, “establish initial contacts with the new authorities” and “assess the humanitarian needs of the people.”
France severed diplomatic relations with Syria in 2012. The acting French Foreign Minister added that several hundred French citizens are in Syria, and Paris interacts with Syrian authorities through the Romanian embassy and its diplomatic mission in Beirut.
The French Foreign Ministry announced the country’s delegation’s visit to Syria on Sunday.
A statement issued by the French Foreign Ministry said that a diplomatic delegation would travel to Damascus on Tuesday.
The statement added that the diplomatic delegation is scheduled to meet and discuss with the new rulers of Syria.