Political stability and growth are crucial for any reconstruction to be successful, said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a press conference after his discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Syrians who return to Syria with new experiences and new ideas from Germany and around the world should contribute significantly to this, Merz emphasised. 

The Federal Chancellor encouraged President al-Sharaa: “Create space in the new Syria for all Syrians, regardless of their religion, ethnicity and gender.” 

The most important points in brief:

• Economy: Both countries have agreed to strengthen the economic relationships between Germany and Syria. To this end the Federal Government will support, with expertise and advice, the creation of an attractive climate for investment for German companies – through corresponding reforms, legal certainty and the formation of a functioning administration, noted the Federal Chancellor. To implement these measures, a joint task force was created to start the work quickly, the Federal Chancellor announced.
• Migration: The general conditions in Syria have improved significantly since the change of government. “The need for protection must therefore be reassessed,” said Federal Chancellor Merz in light of the one million Syrians who have found refuge from the Civil War in Germany. There is a need for reliable cooperation in the area of repatriation – especially and above all for those who “misuse our hospitality and do not comply with our laws,” the Chancellor emphasised. We should now work on this together.   
• Reconstruction: The Federal Government wants to help to stabilise Syria once again. This year, more than 200 million euros will be allocated to this work, Merz said. This will support, among other things, the construction of water supply systems in Hasakah, Suwayda and Aleppo, as well as the reconstruction of hospitals.   

Read the transcript of the press conference here (in German only):