Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Berlin for his first official visit to Germany at the invitation of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, SANA reported on March 30.

The visit, his first official trip to Germany since taking office after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, comes amid broader efforts by Damascus to re-engage with European partners and attract investment for reconstruction.

Al-Sharaa met with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, opportunities for cooperation, and ways to further develop ties across sectors, as well as the latest regional and international developments.

The meeting also focused on enhancing economic relations, supporting Syria’s economic stability, and addressing issues related to reconstruction and the energy sector, as well as the humanitarian situation concerning Syrian refugees in Germany.

Al-Sharaa said, “relations with Germany are being rebuilt on 'foundations of mutual trust' and strong economic pillars, as Damascus seeks to deepen cooperation with Europe following years of isolation.”

Speaking to Syrian state media on the sidelines of a roundtable meeting with major German companies in Berlin on March 30, al-Sharaa said he had sensed “growing interest” from German firms in strengthening economic ties with Syria.

“The meetings indicate a direction towards expanding cooperation, particularly in economic fields that form a solid basis for any political relationship,” he said.

He added that “politics requires strong links, foremost among them economic ties,” noting that this approach is beginning to take shape in Syrian-German relations.

Al-Sharaa said, "Syria is preparing to implement a new economic programme centred on rebuilding infrastructure, stressing the importance of leveraging German expertise, as well as the skills of the Syrian diaspora in Germany, estimated at around 1.3mn people."

German companies presented proposals across sectors including energy, finance, digital transformation, construction and healthcare, with several memoranda of understanding signed.

Energy minister Mohammed al-Bashir said agreements would be signed with Siemens to develop grid management systems, alongside cooperation with Knauf and other firms in the energy and water sectors.

German officials said discussions would also address reconstruction and the return of Syrian refugees. Government spokesperson Steffen Kornelius said Berlin’s goal is to see Syria “rebuild itself into a stable and prosperous country.”

However, the visit has drawn criticism from some German politicians. Left Party MP Cansu Özdemir said the meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz was “not a diplomatic step, but a moral bankruptcy.”

Despite criticism, both sides signalled a willingness to expand cooperation, with Sharaa affirming that economic engagement would underpin future political relations.