IRIA News

6 minute read

Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa visited Germany on March 30, 2026, to officially restore bilateral partnership, with both sides announcing plans to work together on rebuilding Syria and facilitating the return of refugees.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin on Monday, Syrian President and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the relationship marks a new phase after the end of Syria’s civil war.

The visit is Al Sharaa’s first trip to Germany since he led opposition forces to remove longtime Syrian leader Bashar Al Assad in late 2024. He was received in Berlin by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before holding talks with Chancellor Merz and senior officials.

“Our interest is in seeing Syria rebuilt as a stable and prosperous nation, including with the help of the many, many Syrians who came here to Germany and Europe during the civil war and found refuge here,” German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said.

Speaking at a forum at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, Al Sharaa said Syria is ready to move forward. “We want to put this difficult time behind us and now catch up with the rest of the world,” he said.

He highlighted investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, transport, and tourism, describing Syria as a country with strong human potential and economic prospects.

Viele Syrer, die bei uns Zuflucht gefunden haben, wollen zurück. Daran arbeiten wir mit der syrischen Regierung: Wir helfen, Institutionen aufzubauen und Voraussetzungen für Wirtschaftswachstum zu schaffen. Die Zusammenarbeit wollen Präsident @AH_AlSharaa und ich stärken. pic.twitter.com/pXaD7oMAwc

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) March 30, 2026

Reconstruction and Economic Cooperation

German officials signaled support for Syria’s rebuilding efforts. “We stand with Syria,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said. “The Syrians deserve a chance, and we want to help ensure that this opportunity is well utilized.”

Al Sharaa emphasized that Syrians living in Germany could play a key role in reconstruction. “These are Syrians who have studied at German universities, acquired German expertise, and are now working in German companies,” he said. “Through investments in Syria, they can then bring this expertise back to Syria.”

The two sides are also working on joint programs to support reconstruction and economic recovery after years of war that damaged infrastructure, businesses, and public services.

Refugee Return Plan

A major focus of the talks was the possible return of Syrian refugees from Germany. Merz said the two countries aim to facilitate large-scale returns over the coming years.

“Looking ahead over the next three years – as Sharaa has expressed his hope – around 80% of Syrians currently residing in Germany are expected to return to their home country,” he said.

Germany hosts between 700,000 and 800,000 Syrians, most of whom arrived during the peak of the refugee crisis in 2015–2016.

Merz said the first step would be returning those without valid residence rights, particularly individuals involved in criminal activity. He added that while many Syrians would return, some would remain in Germany, especially skilled workers such as doctors and caregivers.

Circular Migration Model Proposed

Al Sharaa said the two governments are developing a “circular migration” model. “We are working with our friends in the German government to establish a ‘circular’ migration model,” he said.

This approach would allow Syrians to contribute to rebuilding their country while maintaining stability in Germany if they choose to stay.

“This would enable Syrians to contribute to the reconstruction of their homeland without giving up the stability and lives they have built here, for those who wish to stay,” he added.

Al Sharaa also expressed strong appreciation for Germany’s support during the refugee crisis. “You gave our children the opportunity to learn, work, and rebuild their lives,” he said.

“On behalf of myself and the Syrian people, I express my deepest gratitude to Germany, its leadership and its people. We will never forget how you opened your doors to a million Syrians when all other avenues were closed,” he added.

Security Concerns and Regional Tensions

The Syrian president also raised concerns about growing tensions in the Middle East. “The military escalation in the region poses significant risks to global energy supplies and prices, in addition to the risk of its expansion,” he said.

He condemned Israeli actions in Syria, citing attacks, violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and what he described as the occupation of additional territory.

“We condemn any infringement on the security and sovereignty of our brotherly Arab states,” he added.

German Domestic Politics and Opposition Concerns

The refugee issue remains politically sensitive in Germany. Merz’s government has taken a tougher stance on migration amid rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Migration has become a key political issue across Europe, especially since the 2015 refugee crisis, when then-Chancellor Angela Merkel allowed large numbers of refugees into Germany.

“Wir schaffen das,” she said at the time, meaning “We’ll manage this.” The decision drew both praise and criticism and continues to shape political debate in the country.

The proposed return of refugees has faced criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups. Franziska Brantner of the Green Party said many Syrians cannot safely return due to ongoing security concerns and limited infrastructure in Syria.

She added that many refugees are now deeply integrated into German society, working in essential sectors and raising families.

Protests were also held in Berlin during Al Sharaa’s visit. A demonstration was organized under the slogan “No deportation deals with human rights abusers,” reflecting concerns about conditions in Syria and the safety of returnees.

The Kurdish Community in Germany also called for guarantees on the protection of minorities, accusing Al Sharaa of human rights violations and raising concerns about potential risks.

Both sides acknowledged that any return process would take time and depend on conditions inside Syria.

Merz said Germany is already working with Syrian authorities on a joint program for reconstruction and voluntary returns. “Over the past few weeks, we have drawn up an ambitious joint work programme for reconstruction and return, which is now being implemented,” he said.

Despite ambitious targets, both leaders said some Syrians would remain in Germany, and the process would be gradual.

The renewed partnership signals a shift in relations between Syria and Germany, but major questions remain about how reconstruction will unfold and whether large-scale refugee returns can be achieved in the coming years.