Denmark reopens its embassy in Damascus after 14-year closure, and Al-Shaybani: a step encouraging other European countries to invest in Syria

Denmark has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 14 years after Copenhagen suspended its diplomatic activities in Syria. The official Syrian news agency (SANA) announced in a statement that the opening of the Danish embassy took place “in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani and his Danish counterpart, Lars Løkke Rasmussen.”

Following the opening, Minister al-Shaybani said this marked “a new chapter in Syrian-Danish relations,” adding, “This step encourages other European countries to invest in Syria and adopt the same approach.” He further stated, “Syrian-European relations are advancing at a rapid pace, and we look forward to Europe standing by the Syrian people in times of peace and state-building, just as it stood by them during the years of war.”

For his part, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that his country had provided Syrians with “a place and a safe haven during difficult years,” noting that they learned the Danish language and participated in building the Danish economy. “Today, many of them return with hope and significant expertise that contribute to the rebuilding of Syria,” he added. He further emphasized, “We are committed to continuing our support for Syria, and we have allocated an additional $76 million this year for early recovery operations, stability support, and the return of refugees.”