BERLIN: Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a joint press conference in Berlin on Monday, focusing on reconstruction efforts, economic cooperation, and regional developments.
Merz praised the new regime in the Syrian Arab Republic, saying that “a year ago, the Syrian people were freed from a dictatorial regime.”
He added that images of prisoners being released from detention and scenes of celebration in the streets following the change of leadership after the fall of Bashar Assad had “left a deep impact on us, and continue to resonate to this day.”
He added that Germany had stood alongside the Syrian people “against Assad’s dictatorship,” noting that 1 million Syrians had sought refuge in Germany.
“A new phase of rebuilding Syria has now begun,” Merz said, expressing confidence that Syrians in Germany would contribute to rebuilding their homeland.
He said economic growth and stability were “two key pillars” for the success of reconstruction, adding that Syrians returning from Germany would play an important role through the expertise they had gained.
Merz stressed Germany would support Syria’s recovery, saying: “We wish Syria economic prosperity and stability after many years of war and destruction, and we will therefore provide all possible assistance for its reconstruction.”
He added that he appreciated Al-Sharaa’s efforts to reach an understanding with Syrian Kurds, saying the process was moving forward and that Kurdish forces were being integrated into national structures.
He said: “Security will not be fragmented, and weapons must be confined to the hands of the state. This is our concept of a state based on the rule of law.”
Al-Sharaa said: “On behalf of myself and the Syrian people, I express my deep gratitude to Germany, its leadership and its people.
“We will not forget how you opened your doors to 1 million Syrians when they had nowhere else to turn.”
The president added that Germany had provided opportunities for Syrians to learn, work and rebuild their lives.
Al-Sharaa said Syria was seeking to strengthen its cooperation with Europe, and added: “Syria, with its civilizational depth and strategic location, represents an ideal opportunity for a Syrian–European partnership led by Germany.
“Today, Syria is returning to the world and to Europe with greater strength and firm determination.”
Al-Sharaa added that Syria was working with German partners to establish a circular migration program that would allow Syrian professionals to contribute to reconstruction while maintaining their lives in Germany.
Regarding Syria’s internal affairs, he stressed that the country’s future was based on unity and state sovereignty, and added: “We will not accept the existence of statelets within the state, nor will we allow any weapons outside the framework of national military and security institutions.”
Al-Sharaa said building a stable Syria required confining authority to state institutions to ensure security for all citizens, noting that the government was working to build a new state based on law and institutions after decades of authoritarian rule.
He said: “Syria today needs a modern constitution that protects citizens and preserves their dignity.”
The president said Syria offered a long-term investment model to attract European participation in reconstruction, particularly from Germany, adding that Syria’s diversity was a source of strength and that the rule of law would ensure equal rights for all citizens.
He added that combating terrorism and dismantling cross-border captagon trafficking networks remained key priorities to be pursued in cooperation with the international community.
The president expressed concern over regional developments and unrest, saying that Syria was closely following military escalation in the region.
He added: “We firmly reject any attempt to turn our region into a battleground for settling scores.”
Al-Sharaa condemned Israeli attacks and aggression on Syrian territory and violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, calling on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities.
The leaders’ remarks came on Al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Germany, during which talks with senior officials and business representatives have taken place.
