Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, there is a great opportunity in Syria to finally initiate an inclusive political transition process and to re-establish lasting stability in the country. The international community cannot pass up this opportunity – a view shared by our partners in the region.

As Federal Foreign Office Special Coordinator for Syria, it is very important to me to travel to Jordan and Iraq now to discuss support for the process in Syria with our partners, as well as the challenges it entails. The threat posed by the Islamic State is still real. Germany continues to be involved in the efforts to combat the Islamic State as part of the Global Coalition against Daesh.

Jordan is our close partner. Its intensive diplomatic efforts and the personal endeavours of His Majesty King Abdullah II regarding the current Gaza conflict demonstrate the responsibility Jordan has taken on in playing a constructive role focused on solutions in the international community. The conference in Aqaba on Syria hosted by Jordan also highlighted this.

In the wake of the conflicts of the past, Iraq is steadily becoming ever more stable and will elect a new government this year. Germany has provided considerable civilian and military resources for this transition over the past years. In Iraq, I would like to bring myself up to speed on the progress made with regard to the return of internally displaced persons to their homes, the investigation of IS crimes and the situation of minorities, in particular the Yazidi community.