Summary
Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Germany to discuss rebuilding Syria and the return of refugees with German leaders. He met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussions focused on reconstruction investment opportunities and the potential return of Syrians who had fled to Germany.
Key Facts
- Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Germany to talk about rebuilding Syria and refugee return.
- He met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
- Discussions covered investment opportunities in Syria, especially in the energy, transport, and tourism sectors.
- Al-Sharaa would like Syrians in Germany, who have gained German expertise, to return and help rebuild Syria.
- Germany pledged support for Syria's reconstruction efforts.
- About one million Syrians have fled to Germany, especially during the peak of the war in 2015-2016.
- Chancellor Merz has started policies to limit irregular immigration and resumed limited deportations to Syria.
- Protests against deportation plans were registered in Berlin with concerns about human rights in Syria.
