German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron by phone on Monday, according to government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, who made the announcement in the evening.
They primarily discussed the situation in Syria. The Chancellor and President Macron welcomed the end of the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, as Assad had inflicted terrible suffering on the Syrian people and caused significant damage to their country.
Both were in agreement, according to Hebestreit, that they are ready to work together with the new power holders, based on fundamental human rights and the protection of ethnic and religious minorities.
Chancellor Scholz and President Macron emphasized the importance of preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria. They were in agreement to work together to strengthen the European Union’s engagement in Syria, including supporting an inclusive political process in Syria. They will coordinate closely with partners in the Middle East on the next steps, it was said.