Denmark Reopens Embassy in Syria After 12 Years

Denmark has reopened its embassy in Damascus after 12 years, making it one of the first European Union countries to restore a diplomatic representation in Syria.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen formally reopened the mission during a visit to the Syrian capital on Monday. He said the move would give Denmark better opportunities to influence developments in Syria and contribute to rebuilding the country.

Rasmussen also linked the reopening to closer relations with Syria’s transitional government and cooperation on the voluntary return and forced deportation of Syrians living in Denmark without legal residence. The previous Danish government announced the plan in late January as part of its deportation reform.

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We are doing this to better influence developments in Syria in a positive direction and contribute to the country’s reconstruction.

The decision followed Rasmussen’s visit to Syria in late November, described as the first visit by a Danish minister there in 15 years. Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by rebel forces in December 2024, and Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the rebels and the Islamist movement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, became Syria’s leader.

Denmark has already supported Syria’s reconstruction with several hundred million kroner. The government is also expected to commit nearly 500 million kroner in additional support this year.

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The reopening will also provide better conditions for strengthening the diplomatic relationship with the transitional government and cooperation on the voluntary return and forced deportation of Syrians without legal residence in Denmark.