Damascus, Apr.6 (SANA) Germany’s Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus Clemens Hach, said that President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s recent visit to Germany was “historic,” marking the first visit by a Syrian president in nearly five decades, and reflects Germany’s support for Syria in its post-liberation phase toward stability, prosperity, and peaceful coexistence.
In an exclusive interview with SANA, Hach noted that Syria possesses a unique opportunity to serve as a strategic hub in the Eastern Mediterranean and a bridge linking Gulf countries with Europe, pointing out that this vision aligns with the strategy presented by President al-Sharaa during his visit.
Hach highlighted the importance of overland connectivity between the Gulf and Europe via Syria, particularly amid current geopolitical challenges affecting key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, and in light of Germany’s growing orientation toward the Gulf as a source of both conventional and renewable energy, including hydrogen.
He reiterated that Germany seeks to support Syria in becoming a regional hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that the country has the potential to emerge as a production center close to both Europe and Asia, with reliable transport routes. He noted that trucking from Syria to Germany takes approximately one week, adding that Syrians in Germany play a pivotal role in supporting development efforts in their homeland.
Hach pointed out that Germany’s support, as a leading European country, sends an important message to other European states that may remain more cautious, anticipating a new dynamic in Syria-Europe relations.
He stressed that enhancing Syria-European ties is important for Germany, as market access has become a European priority, not solely a German one. He added that efforts must be coordinated through Brussels to facilitate Syrian exports to European markets, thereby supporting stability—an approach Germany continues to back.
Hach also noted that many Syrians who have gained professional and academic experience in Germany are contributing to transferring skills and expertise back to Syria, while encouraging German companies to enter the Syrian market, representing a valuable asset for both countries.
Regarding the conclusion of his mission in Damascus, Hach said: “Working and living in Damascus was the realization of a long-held aspiration, but when duty calls, one must respond.”
He noted that since assuming his post nearly a year ago, Syria has shown a general trend toward improvement despite challenges, with growing confidence among Syrians that the country is moving in the right direction toward building a new, inclusive state after more than five decades of authoritarian rule.
Hach added that the current phase is not without challenges, drawing parallels with Germany’s post-1945 reconstruction and the period following the fall of the Berlin Wall, as well as experiences in Eastern Europe. He stressed the importance of maintaining mutual trust and collective commitment to building Syria’s future.
Concluding the interview, Hach stated: “It has been an honour to be part of this phase. I will continue working on the Syrian file from Berlin, and I hope to visit Syria several times a year. Syria will continue to have a strong friend in Germany.”
President al-Sharaa visited Germany on March 29, accompanied by a ministerial delegation, where he held talks with senior German officials over two days, discussing bilateral relations, regional and international developments, and enhancing cooperation. The visit also included a roundtable with German companies, a meeting with the Syrian community, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding and two agreements in energy and air transport.
A/Dh
