Denmark reopens its embassy in Damascus after 14-year closure.. Al-Shaybani: Step encourages 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) stated in a bulletin 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 marks a new chapter in Syrian-Danish relations, adding that this step encourages other European countries to invest in Syria and adopt a similar approach. He further noted that Syrian-European relations are accelerating, and that Syria looks forward to Europe standing by the Syrian people in times of peace and state-building, just as it did during the years of war.

For his part, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that his country provided Syrians with a place and safe haven during difficult years, where they learned the Danish language and contributed to building the Danish economy. Today, many of them return with hope and significant expertise that contribute to rebuilding Syria. He added that Denmark is keen to continue supporting Syria and has allocated an additional $76 million this year for early recovery operations, stability support, and the return of refugees.