News item | 05-01-2025 | 18:03
The Dutch Special Envoy for Syria Gijs Gerlag visited Damascus on January 2 and 4. He spoke there with the new interim administration, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to gain insight into the current (security) situation and to convey messages on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the importance of an inclusive political transition and protecting minorities.
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Minister Veldkamp: “As far as the Netherlands is concerned, an inclusive political transition led by Syrians themselves is important for sustainable stability in Syria. It is essential that Christians, Kurds and other minorities are also part of this process and that human rights are respected. This visit by Gijs Gerlag explores how a political transition can be supported by the Netherlands and in the EU. Promoting stability in Syria is also in the Dutch interest, for example in the areas of combating terrorism and the return of refugees. In addition, our envoy conveyed the message that the Netherlands remains committed to pursuing justice for the human rights violations that have been committed.”
Gijs Gerlag also spoke with the office of the UN envoy for Syria, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the coordination platform for humanitarian NGOs based in Damascus (DINGO) and Christian religious leaders.
The conversation between Gerlag and the interim board led by HTS concerned initial contact. Opening a Dutch embassy in Damascus is currently not on the agenda. The coming period will reveal how HTS and other groups will shape the board. The government will work with like-minded countries to consider how the process of an inclusive and peaceful political transition in Syria can be supported.