Germany Prepares to Host Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara for Refugee Discussions

Berlin is preparing to host Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara early next week, as reported by government sources, although an official announcement regarding the visit date has yet to be made.

This visit is part of Germany's efforts to initiate a new chapter in its relations with the Syrian government and strengthen bilateral ties.

German media have reported that Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with al-Shara on Monday, alongside Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, with discussions expected to focus on the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.

The German government spokesperson declined to confirm al-Shara's arrival but emphasized Berlin's openness to "deepening relations and starting anew with Damascus," while closely monitoring developments in Syria, particularly the recent clashes in Aleppo between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Merz had previously announced that he extended an official invitation to the Syrian president, highlighting that the primary goal is to discuss arrangements for the return of refugees. He asserted that the ousting of Bashar al-Assad has resolved the reasons for flight and that the civil war has ended, paving the way for repatriation operations.

This move reflects a new European approach towards the current Syrian government, emphasizing internal stability and reconstruction, as well as addressing the refugee crisis, which poses a political and social challenge in Germany.