Syrian Leader al-Sharaa Seeks German Aid on Refugees, Reconstruction

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa pledged cooperation with Germany on Monday to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees and support his country's reconstruction after a 14-year civil war, during his first official visit to Berlin since ousting longtime leader Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.

Al-Sharaa, 43, a former rebel leader who has forged ties with Western governments through trips to the United States, France and Russia, met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The discussions centered on political coordination, economic recovery and refugee policies, amid Germany's hosting of more than one million Syrians, many of whom arrived during the 2015-2016 migrant influx. Following his meeting with Merz, al-Sharaa described efforts to create a "circular migration model" that would allow Syrians to aid rebuilding efforts while retaining options to remain in Germany. "We are working with our friends in the German government to establish" this framework, he said, adding that it would enable contributions to Syria "without giving up the stability and lives they have built here, for those who wish to stay."

Merz, who has prioritized stricter...