German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot have made a historic visit to Syria, marking the first EU ministerial trip since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

The pair toured the infamous Sednaya prison, a site of mass torture under Assad's regime, accompanied by the White Helmets, a Syrian civil defense group.

Baerbock emphasized the importance of justice and reconciliation, calling for the protection of women and minorities in Syria's rebuilding process.

She also set conditions for renewed EU-Syria relations, urging the new Islamist-led government to ensure rights and inclusivity.

Baerbock warned against extremism and external interference, while advocating for a peaceful transition and the withdrawal of foreign military forces, including Russia's.

The visit highlights Europe's cautious engagement with Syria's fragile new leadership.