Syria and Denmark took significant steps to deepen bilateral relations following Denmark’s decision to reopen its embassy in Damascus after a 14-year hiatus. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen met with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, on Tuesday at Tishreen Palace to discuss expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including early recovery and reconstruction efforts in Syria.

Rasmussen’s visit marked the formal resumption of Denmark’s diplomatic presence in Damascus, signaling Copenhagen’s renewed commitment to supporting stability and development in Syria. The Danish minister emphasized his country’s interest in enhancing investment, trade, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the two nations. Plans to establish a bilateral partnership agreement were also announced to create an institutional framework for ongoing collaboration.

During the meetings, both sides agreed to launch direct flights between Damascus and Copenhagen starting Sept. 21. This new air route aims to better connect the Syrian community in Denmark with their homeland and to further foster economic and social ties.

The Syrian Foreign Minister highlighted efforts to transform the Syrian-Danish Business Council from a conceptual arrangement into an active mechanism for practical cooperation. Rasmussen indicated that Danish businesses were prepared to invest in Syria and expressed the intention to build a comprehensive partnership encompassing economic and security dimensions.

Denmark also plans to reopen the Danish Institute in Damascus, enhancing cultural and scientific exchanges. Rasmussen pointed to Denmark’s expertise in agriculture and offered support to help Syria develop its agricultural sector, which he described as having strong potential to serve as a regional breadbasket.

The ministers discussed issues pertaining to the Syrian diaspora in Denmark and voluntary repatriation. Al-Shaibani affirmed that Syria welcomes all citizens willing to return safely and voluntarily, a stance supported by Denmark’s efforts to facilitate such returns.

Acknowledging Denmark’s ongoing humanitarian assistance during Syria’s recent conflict, Al-Shaibani commended the Danish Refugee Council’s contributions in areas such as mine clearance and securing water supplies.

On security matters, Al-Shaibani criticized continued Israeli military actions on Syrian soil, reporting 65 incursions in July and 52 in the first 18 days of August. He cited Israeli raids on homes in Quneitra and the Damascus countryside, as well as the detention of 147 Syrians since the start of 2026, with 49 still held. He condemned statements by Israeli forces refusing to withdraw from Mount Hermon, viewing these as attempts to solidify occupation and undermine previously agreed security arrangements.

Reaffirming Syria’s commitment to diplomatic resolution, Al-Shaibani called for the implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and the restoration of full sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan. He also stressed Syria’s sovereign right to build its national army.

Al-Shaibani rejected sectarian and ethnic divisions, asserting that Syria’s diversity is a source of strength and encouraging Syrians abroad to return and contribute to national reconstruction and development.