Germany is leading European Union discussions on easing sanctions imposed on the Syrian government of toppled President Bashar al-Assad and aiding the country's population, foreign ministry sources said on Tuesday.

The country’s new leaders are pushing to restore a sense of normalcy. But Syria remains under a host of international sanctions imposed during the Assad regime.

The European Union will closely watch the political process developing in Syria and stand by the country if it moves toward a peaceful and open future but it will not back Syria's Islamization, Germany's foreign minister said on Friday.

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

Berlin is leading efforts within the bloc to ease sanctions imposed during Bashar Assad's rule, the Financial Times has reported. The easing would come in return for progress on social issues.

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.

Germany is pushing the EU to ease sanctions on Syria as western countries seek to build bridges with its new rulers, diplomats said Tuesday.

Syria’s new foreign minister has met with his Qatari counterpart and Qatar’s prime minister in Doha on Sunday.

BERLIN (Reuters) -German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is travelling to Syria for a one-day trip with her French counterpart on behalf of the EU, where she will meet Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria's new rulers,

WASHINGTON—The Biden administration said Monday it is easing restrictions on humanitarian aid for Syria for six months, a move to speed delivery of basic supplies without lifting sanctions that block other assistance to the new government in Damascus.

WASHINGTON — A month after the rebel offensive that toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the United States announced a 6-month waiver to ease the delivery of humanitarian aid to the heavily sanctioned country.