Berlin, March 30 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a joint press conference in Berlin on Monday, focusing on reconstruction efforts, economic cooperation and regional developments.
Merz praised the new change in Syria saying that “a year ago, the Syrian people were freed from a dictatorial regime,” adding that images of prisoners being released from detention and scenes of celebration in the streets “left a deep impact on us, and continue to resonate to this day.”
Merz: Germany supports Syria’s reconstruction and stability
He added that Germany had stood alongside the Syrian people “against Assad’s dictatorship,” noting that one million Syrians had sought refuge in Germany.
“A new phase of rebuilding Syria has now begun,” Merz said, expressing confidence that Syrians in Germany would contribute to rebuilding their homeland.
He said economic growth and stability are “two key pillars” for the success of reconstruction, adding that Syrians returning from Germany would play an important role through the expertise they have gained.
Merz also said Germany would support Syria’s recovery, stating: “We wish Syria economic prosperity and stability after many years of war and destruction, and we will therefore provide all possible assistance for its reconstruction.”
He added that he appreciated president al-Sharaa’s efforts to reach an understanding with Syrian Kurds, saying the process was moving forward and that Kurdish forces were being integrated into national structures.
“Security will not be fragmented, and weapons must be confined to the hands of the state this is our concept of a state based on the rule of law,” he said.
President al-Sharaa thanks Germany for support
President al-Sharaa expressed appreciation for Germany’s support for the Syrians, saying: “On behalf of myself and the Syrian people, I express my deep gratitude to Germany ,its leadership and its people.”
“We will not forget how you opened your doors to one million Syrians when they had nowhere else to turn,” the President said, adding that Germany had provided opportunities for Syrians to learn, work and rebuild their lives.
President: Syria seeks partnership with Europe
President al-Sharaa said Syria is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Europe, adding: “Syria, with its civilizational depth and strategic location, represents an ideal opportunity for a Syrian–European partnership led by Germany.”
“Today, Syria is returning to the world and to Europe with greater strength and firm determination,” he said.
The President added that Syria is working with German partners to establish a circular migration program that would allow Syrian professionals to contribute to reconstruction while maintaining their lives in Germany.
Unity and sovereignty core principles of new Syria
On Syria’s internal affairs, President al-Sharaa stressed that Syria’s future is based on unity and state sovereignty, saying: “We will not accept the existence of statelets within the state, nor will we allow any weapons outside the framework of national military and security institutions.”
He said building a stable Syria requires confining authority to state institutions to ensure security for all citizens, noting that the government is working to build a new state based on law and institutions after decades of authoritarian rule.
“Syria today needs a modern constitution that protects citizens and preserves their dignity,” he said.
The president said Syria offers a long-term investment model aimed at attracting European participation in reconstruction, particularly from Germany, adding that Syria’s diversity is a source of strength and that the rule of law would ensure equal rights for all citizens.
He added that combating terrorism and dismantling cross-border Captagon trafficking networks remain key priorities pursued in cooperation with the international community.
President warns of regional escalation risks
On the regional escalation, the president expressed concern over regional developments, saying Syria is closely following the military escalation in the region.
“We firmly reject any attempt to turn our region into a battleground for settling scores,” he said.
Condemnation of Israeli attacks
President al-Sharaa condemned Israeli attacks and aggressions on Syrian territory and violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, calling on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities.
The leaders’ remarks came as part of president al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Germany, during which he held talks with senior officials and business representatives.
k .Abdul
