Denmark reopens its embassy in Damascus and allocates $76 million to support reconstruction.

Denmark reopened its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, ending a 14-year closure that followed the outbreak of the Syrian uprising in 2011. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen took part in the reopening ceremony.

Officials' Statements

Al-Shibani said the move marks a new chapter in Syrian-Danish relations and encourages other European states to invest in Syria and follow a similar approach. He added that Syrian-European relations are advancing at an accelerating pace, expressing Damascus's hope that Europe will continue standing by the Syrian people during the peace and state-building phase.

Rasmussen said his country provided a safe haven for Syrian refugees during the difficult years, noting that many contributed to the Danish economy. He added that a number of them are now returning to Syria carrying hope and expertise that could contribute to rebuilding the country.

Financial Support Announced

The Danish foreign minister announced an additional $76 million allocated this year for:

• Early recovery operations
• Stability support
• Refugee return support

Broader European Diplomatic Momentum

The reopening of the Danish embassy comes amid growing diplomatic momentum to reopen Western and European missions in Damascus, which had closed in 2011. London announced in July 2025 the full restoration of its diplomatic relations with Syria, while Germany reopened its embassy in March 2025, and the Italian embassy resumed its activity in Damascus.

In January 2025, Spain raised its flag over its embassy in Damascus after roughly 13 years of suspended diplomatic activity. France, meanwhile, appointed a charge d'affaires in Damascus after December 2024, without yet fully reopening its embassy.