Berlin on Monday advocated a pragmatic approach to Syria's transitional government after the new leader in Damascus declined to shake the hand of visiting German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

The top diplomats from Germany and France were in Syria on Friday to send what the German minister called a clear signal that Europe and Syria can have a “political new beginning" after Islamist insurgents ousted Bashar Assad.

The more than one million Syrians who fled to Germany have celebrated the end of war in their homeland, but some fear it could mean losing their refugee status.

All Syrian groups, including women and Kurds, must be involved in the country's transition if Damascus wants European support, Germany's foreign minister said after a closely-watched first meeting with the new de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday.

The French and German foreign ministers are the most senior Western officials to visit Syria since longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad was toppled by rebels.

Top diplomats from Germany and France went to Damascus on behalf of the European Union. It’s the first such trip in years, part of a flurry of Western outreach.

The visit by European ministers symbolizes a significant shift in international diplomacy following years of strained relations between Europe and Syria.

In Damascus, French and German foreign ministers Jean-Noël Barrot and Annalena Baerbock called for a 'peaceful and rigorous' transition with de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Germany is ready to help Syria’s new rulers establish a unified security force that includes Kurdish-led forces, Berlin’s envoy to Damascus said.

During her visit to Damascus, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock outlined clear conditions for European support of Syria's new leadership and emphasized that Germany and the European Union are committed to fostering a peaceful and free future for Syria.

The top diplomats from Germany and France were in Syria on Friday to send what the German minister called a clear signal that Europe and Syria can have a "political new beginning" after Islamist insurgents ousted Bashar Assad.