The German government announced that Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin on Monday. The visit will mark al-Sharaa’s first official engagement in Germany.
Talks in Berlin are expected to focus on the regional impacts of the war in the Middle East, Syria’s reconstruction, economic recovery, and the return of displaced Syrians. German Foreign Ministry sources stated that al-Sharaa will also participate in a forum where he will meet with representatives of the economic sector.
German officials emphasize that significant financial resources are needed for Syria’s recovery as the prolonged war has had devastating effects on its economy. Statements indicate that the partial lifting of EU and UN sanctions has created a new basis for economic recovery.
Ahmed al-Sharaa was set to visit Germany in January, but the visit was postponed following attacks launched by the transitional government forces against Kurds. At the time, the German government stated that the visit was canceled due to “internal political developments in Syria.”
Some civil society organizations in Germany, particularly groups representing Kurdish and Alevi communities, had previously called for the cancellation of the planned visit, describing the reception of al-Sharaa in Berlin as “unacceptable.”