https://arab.news/w6r4j
- German FM Johann Wadephul will on Thursday make his first visit to Syria to meet representatives of the new government including Al-Sharaa
BERLIN: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will on Thursday make his first visit to Syria to meet representatives of the new government including President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, his ministry said.
“With the overthrow of the Assad dictatorship, the people of Syria have entered a new era,” Wadephul said in a statement released by his ministry, referring to ousted leader Bashar Assad.
Wadephul and a German parliament delegation will meet Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani before traveling on to Lebanon and Bahrain, his ministry said.
Syria has been ruled by a new Islamist-led government since the overthrow of Assad in December.
The country’s relations with the west have warmed, with the United States lifting sanctions and European governments developing closer ties.
However Syria has seen continued unrest with clashes between different ethnic groups.
“Syria faces immense challenges,” Wadephul said.
“It needs a government that guarantees all citizens, regardless of gender, religious, ethnic or social affiliation, a life of dignity and security.”
Germany has a large Syrian community as hundreds of thousands settled there after fleeing the country’s civil war.
“Many have not only found protection here, but also a new home,” Wadephul 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.”
As the German government looks to crack down on migration to curb the rise of the far-right AfD, its leaders have sought to resume deportations to Syria.
Wadephul’s predecessor Annalena Baerbock, from the Green party which was part of Germany’s last government, had visited Syria.