German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Syria’s Transition President Ahmed al-Scharaa in a one-hour phone call on Friday. In the conversation, the Chancellor congratulated the Syrian people on the success in ending the “tyranny of the Assad regime”, according to a statement from the German government’s spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit.
Scholz and al-Scharaa reportedly agreed that it is now necessary for an “inclusive political process that grants participation, rights and protection to all Syrian citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious group”. The Chancellor assured al-Scharaa of the German government’s willingness to support Syria in its reconstruction, aiming to create a “free and safe homeland for all population groups”. The government will work closely with European and international partners to achieve this goal.
Scholz emphasized, as quoted by the government’s spokesperson, the continued importance of the fight against terrorism for the security of Syria, the region and the world.