German FM to visit Syria for first time since al-Assad’s ouster
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Germany's FM will visit Syria on Thursday to meet Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and discuss deepening German-Syrian relations after Assad’s fall.
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![German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gives a speech in Berlin on June 4, 2025. [Photo by RALF HIRSCHBERGER/AFP via Getty Images]](https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2025/10/30/b71a9e48-c455-49f7-b958-2596e6a01a64.webp?v=3&width=1000)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gives a speech in Berlin on June 4, 2025. (Ralf Hirschbergerg/AFP via Getty Images)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will travel to Syria on Thursday in his first official visit since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December last year.
According to his ministry, Wadephul will meet with Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, alongside a delegation from the German parliament.
“With the overthrow of the Assad dictatorship, the people of Syria have entered a new era,” Wadephul said in a statement issued ahead of the visit.
Syria has been under the rule of a new government since al-Assad’s ouster in December. In the months since, relations between Syria and Western governments have shifted. The United States lifted several sanctions, and European countries, including Germany, have moved to establish closer ties with Damascus.
Following his meetings in Syria, Wadephul will continue his regional tour with scheduled stops in Lebanon and Bahrain, the German Foreign Ministry said.
Read more: Syria, Russia in talks to review military base agreements: al-Shaibani
Germany eyes role in Syria’s reconstruction
Germany hosts a significant Syrian diaspora, many of whom fled during the war on Syria. Wadephul highlighted the close connection between the two countries, noting that some Syrians in Germany are now contemplating a return to help rebuild their homeland.
“Many have not only found protection here, but also a new home,” he said. “Some are also considering returning to Syria to rebuild their country. I would like to deepen this special relationship between our countries together with our partners in Syria.”
Wadephul also emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, saying that “Syria faces immense challenges. It needs a government that guarantees all citizens, regardless of gender, religious, ethnic, or social affiliation, a life of dignity and security.”
Read more: Germany pledges $326 million in aid for Syrians at EU conference
The visit also comes amid ongoing debates in Germany over migration policy. As Berlin seeks to limit immigration to counter the rise of the far-right AfD, there has been increasing political pressure to resume deportations to Syria, a move that would signal a significant shift in Germany’s approach.
