German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany and Syria would work together to return hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, who he said had an important role to play in rebuilding their country, Reuters reported.
He met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin. Merz said many Syrian refugees had made a significant contribution to Germany. But he said most of them wanted to return home.
"They will play an important role in Syria after years of destruction of businesses, schools, kindergartens and hospitals," the chancellor said. Merz expects around 80% of Syrians in Germany to return to their homeland within the next three years. He stressed that priority will be given to those who no longer have valid residency rights in Germany.
Merz's coalition government imposed stricter controls when it came to power last year as support for the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party surged following former Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to take in around 1 million refugees seeking asylum, including from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.
Merz said Germany wanted to support the reconstruction process in Syria and was working with the government in Damascus to help those who wanted to return. "In the last few weeks, we have drawn up an ambitious joint work program for reconstruction and return, which is now being implemented," he added.
Al-Sharaa said Syria would never forget how Germany opened its doors to refugees during the civil war, adding that the two countries were rebuilding their partnership. "We are working with our friends in Germany to create a circular migration model that allows Syrian talents to contribute to the reconstruction of their country," he added.