German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) pledged reconstruction aid to Syrian President Bashar Al‑Assad during a visit to Berlin. “In recent weeks we have worked out an ambitious joint programme for reconstruction and return, which is now moving into implementation” Merz said on Monday after the meeting.
The partnership focuses on enabling Syrians who are living in Germany to return to their homeland. “The German government is supporting the Syrian government with its expertise, advice and institutions to rebuild and create the conditions for economic growth in Syria” Merz added.
To bring the plan to life, the parties decided to set up a joint task force that should start work immediately. A delegation is already scheduled to travel to Syria in a few days.
Merz also urged Al‑Assad to build a new Syria where all citizens-including those of different religions, ethnicities and genders-can find space. He said violence against minorities and dissenters must belong to the past, and the same applies to the long‑standing terrorist threat that has plagued the country. “I know how committed they are to this, and they have already achieved success” Merz remarked.