"We need Russia for this dialogue, because without Russia there will be no political decision on Syria, and we have certain expectations in this connection," Maas told reporters at a briefing with his Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland.
Germany has a special intermediary role allowing it to keep open the window for dialogue with Russia on the Syrian crisis, Maas said, suggesting Germany's traditionally close relationship with Russia could help facilitate this.
He said the launch of the political process in Syria will be on the agenda of the G7 summit in Canada in summer.
READ MORE: Putin to Merkel: US, Allies' 'Aggression' in Syria Violates International Law
Last Saturday, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom launched strikes on a number of targets in Syria in response to an alleged chemical attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma.
Following the accusations, the Syrian government has strongly denied being behind the alleged attack and stated that the missile strike was "brutal aggression."
READ MORE: UK Was Not Involved in Any Military Activity in Syria on Early Tuesday — UK MoD
The international community has taken a number of steps aimed at settling the Syrian crisis that has been continuing since 2011. Several negotiations platforms have been formed, including those in Geneva and Astana, as well as the Syrian National Dialogue Congress that took place in the Russian city of Sochi in January.
