France, Britain, and Germany Resume Diplomatic Activity in Syria
Rapid Western Diplomatic Movement Toward Damascus Reflects Desire to Influence Transition Phase and Ensure European Countries' Interests in New Syria
December 17, 2024, 5:19 pm

France, Britain, and Germany Resume Diplomatic Activity in Syria

سوريا

European capitals initiated active diplomatic movement toward Damascus, preparing to deal with Syria's new authority. European Union emphasized interest in Syria's transition phase success, conditioning tangible steps from transitional government for sanctions relief while maintaining pressure mechanisms.

British officials began discussions with Syrian Military Operations Commander Ahmed Al-Shara, following former Syrian regime president's rule end.

British News Agency "PA Media" circulated scenes showing senior officials, including UK Special Representative to Syria, Anne Snow, meeting HTS leader formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, before using real name Ahmed Al-Shara.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed "country's commitment toward Syria" during London press conference, announcing United Kingdom's support for "comprehensive Syrian-led and owned political transition process."

Simultaneously, German Foreign Ministry quoted official spokesman about German diplomats' intention conducting initial talks with HTS representatives, discussing transition phase and minorities protection.

French position emerged supporting Syria's transformation, with Special Envoy Jean-François Guillaume telling AFP correspondents "France preparing to stand beside Syrians," while French flag raised over Paris embassy in Damascus first time since 2012.

Levant-Agencies

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”