Germany to Host Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara for Talks on Refugee Repatriation

Berlin is preparing to host Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara early next week, according to government sources, despite the absence of an official confirmation regarding the visit's date.

This visit is part of Germany's initiative to establish a new phase in relations with the Syrian government and enhance bilateral cooperation.

Reports suggest that Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with al-Shara on Monday, alongside Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. The discussions are anticipated to center on the repatriation of Syrian refugees.

A spokesperson for the German government did not confirm al-Shara's visit but highlighted Berlin's willingness to "deepen relations and initiate a new beginning with Damascus," while closely observing ongoing developments in Syria, particularly the recent clashes in Aleppo between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Merz previously stated that he had extended an official invitation to the Syrian president, emphasizing that the primary objective is to discuss the logistics of refugee returns. He noted that the fall of Bashar al-Assad has diminished the reasons for seeking asylum, suggesting that the civil war is no longer a pressing issue, thereby facilitating repatriation efforts.

This initiative indicates a shift in European policy towards engaging with the current Syrian government, focusing on internal stability, reconstruction, and addressing the refugee crisis, which remains a significant political and social concern in Germany.