Promoting stability in Syria also serves Netherlands’ interests: Top Dutch diplomat

LONDON

The Dutch foreign minister on Monday stressed the importance of stability in Syria, expressing that it also serves Netherlands’ interests.

"The Netherlands believes an inclusive, Syrian-led political transition is key for sustainable stability in Syria," said Caspar Veldkamp.

In a statement, released by the Dutch Foreign Ministry, Veldkamp also noted it is essential that minority communities participate in this transition process and that human rights are respected.

Veldkamp’s comments came after the Netherlands’ Special Envoy for Syria Gijs Gerlag visited the Syrian capital Damascus last week as part of the first contact with the new government in the war-torn country.

"The special envoy’s visit was also intended to obtain insight into the current situation in Syria, with a focus on security," the statement noted.

The foreign minister stated that through Gerlag's visit, his government is exploring how the Netherlands and the EU can support the process of political transition in Syria.

"Promoting stability in Syria also serves the Netherlands’ interests, for instance, in regard to counterterrorism and the return of refugees," he added.

Veldkamp added that the Netherlands remains committed to achieving justice for the human rights violations that were perpetrated.

The ministry statement added that there are currently no plans to open a Dutch embassy in Damascus, noting that it remains to be seen "how HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) and other groups will carve out a new administration."

France and Italy, among some other countries, will reopen their embassies following the fall of the Baath Party regime. Hungary on Monday joined them as Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced the reopening of the country's embassy in Damascus.

Syria has been in a civil war since 2011, and anti-regime groups overthrew the Baath Party regime after more than six decades by liberating Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, where he was granted asylum.