The talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding political, economic and security ties, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.

Berendsen was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Asylum and Migration Bart van den Brink during the visit, which comes amid a broader effort by European governments to re-engage with Syria following years of diplomatic isolation and conflict.

The meeting reflects Damascus’ ongoing campaign to rebuild relations with European capitals as the country seeks international support for reconstruction and economic recovery after more than a decade of civil war.

Syrian and European officials have increasingly discussed migration management, counterterrorism cooperation, border security and investment opportunities in sectors heavily damaged during the conflict, including energy, tourism and financial services.

The diplomatic engagement coincides with efforts to restore transportation links between Syria and Europe. Earlier this week, Syrian Airlines announced plans to launch its first direct flight between Damascus and Amsterdam since 2011, with services scheduled to begin during the first week of July.

The restoration of air links is viewed as a significant step toward reconnecting Syria with European markets and facilitating travel for businesspeople, diplomats and members of the Syrian diaspora.

Since the political transition in Damascus, several senior European officials have visited the Syrian capital. Foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy have all held meetings with Syria’s new leadership as European governments reassess their policies toward the country.

For Syria, attracting foreign investment has become a central priority as authorities seek funding and expertise to rebuild infrastructure damaged by 14 years of conflict. International organizations estimate that reconstruction costs will run into hundreds of billions of dollars, while large sections of the country’s energy, transportation and public service networks require extensive rehabilitation.

European governments, meanwhile, have shown growing interest in cooperation on migration issues, particularly regarding the return of refugees and measures aimed at preventing renewed instability that could generate additional displacement toward Europe.

Wednesday’s meeting highlighted the gradual normalization of diplomatic contacts between Syria and European states as both sides explore areas of mutual interest in security, migration and economic development.

The visit also signals the Netherlands’ willingness to engage directly with Syria’s post-Assad leadership as regional and international actors continue to reshape their relationships with Damascus following the country’s political transition.

Syria’s Ministry of Awqaf said two aircraft carrying nearly 700 Syrian pilgrims from Madinah were diverted to Amman after airspace disruptions linked to the latest exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel.

The ministry said the passengers were transferred by bus from Jordan to Syria, with each vehicle carrying between 35 and 40 pilgrims destined for Damascus and Aleppo.

The disruption followed temporary airspace closures by both Syria and Iraq after Iran launched missiles toward Israel and Israel responded with airstrikes overnight. Iraqi authorities initially announced a 72-hour closure of national airspace on Sunday before later reopening it. Despite the reopening, several commercial flights across the region remained canceled.

The delays underscore the continuing impact of the regional conflict on civilian aviation networks across the Middle East, where airlines have repeatedly altered routes or suspended services because of security concerns.

Syrian authorities said approximately 24,500 Syrians participated in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah, which concluded in late May.

The first group of returning pilgrims arrived in Damascus last week aboard a Syrian Airlines flight from Jeddah carrying 134 passengers, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.

The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has increasingly affected regional transportation and aviation infrastructure, forcing airlines and authorities to adjust operations amid recurring missile, drone and airstrike activity across the Middle East.