Denmark reopens embassy in Syria after 14 years

Denmark has reopened its embassy in Damascus after 14 years, restoring diplomatic representation in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reopened the mission on Monday. He said Denmark was among the first European Union countries to resume its embassy presence in Syria and would now be better placed to influence the country’s development.

“We are among the first countries in the European Union to reopen the embassy in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, sending an ambassador,” Rasmussen said. “That enables us to influence Syria’s development more effectively in a positive way and contribute to the country’s reconstruction.”

The Danish government said the move would also improve conditions for strengthening relations with Syria’s transitional government. It linked the decision to cooperation on the voluntary return and forced expulsion of Syrians who do not have legal residence in Denmark.

Copenhagen announced the reopening in January, in connection with reforms to its immigration expulsion laws.

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We are among the first countries in the European Union to reopen the embassy in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, sending an ambassador. That enables us to influence Syria’s development more effectively in a positive way and contribute to the country’s reconstruction.