German diplomats’ first talks with representatives of the HTS-appointed interim government will focus on a transitional process for Syria and the protection of minorities, a spokesman for the German foreign ministry said.

“The possibilities of a diplomatic presence in Damascus are also being explored there,” the spokesman added in a statement, reiterating that Berlin was monitoring HTS closely in light of its roots in Al-Qaeda ideology.

“As far as one can tell, they have acted prudently so far,” the spokesman said of the group, whose rebels led the ouster of Assad earlier this month, ending 13 years of war.

The conflict triggered the movement of some 1 million Syrian refugees to Germany.

Its end has stoked debate in the country on asylum procedures, now paused for Syrians pending an assessment of the situation in their home country.

Germany is liaising closely with its partners, including the US, France and Britain, as well as Arab states, on Syria, the German ministry spokesman said.