Germany promises aid, not deportation, on first high-level visit to Syria after Assad
During his visit to Damascus, German Foreign Minister Johan Wadephol announced that the deportation of Syrians from Germany would be limited to "very few exceptional cases involving truly dangerous criminals." He emphasized that Berlin's goal is to strengthen infrastructure in Syria, support humanitarian aid, and expand economic cooperation to create conditions for possible voluntary return in the future.
On Thursday, Fadivol met with the interim Syrian president Ahmad al-Shara to discuss aid, reconstruction, and future cooperation between Germany and the new Syrian government. The meeting marked a new phase in bilateral relations, focusing on creating a safe environment that allows Syrians living abroad to return. Germany currently hosts nearly one million Syrian refugees, considering them essential partners in rebuilding their homeland.
The minister described the Syrian community in Germany as a "human bridge" connecting the two countries, emphasizing that Europe has a special responsibility towards Syria's recovery, adding that "Germany should lead this effort." Despite internal political pressures calling for stricter immigration policies, Vadivol clarified that mass deportations are not on the table. Instead, he affirmed that Germany's priority is to help restore conditions that allow people to "live with dignity."
During his visit to the city of Harasta northeast of Damascus, Fadivol likened its destruction to the devastation witnessed in Germany in 1945 after World War II. He said, "It is almost impossible for people to live here with dignity," calling for urgent international action to rebuild Syrian cities. Berlin has pledged an additional €52.6 million in humanitarian aid for Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, of which €39.4 million will be allocated directly to Syria to support food security, healthcare, and housing projects managed by international and local organizations.
Reconstruction remains a huge challenge, with the World Bank estimating the cost of rebuilding Syria at around $216 billion. The interim president, Al-Shara, stated that his government prefers "reconstruction through investment rather than through aid," as countries like Saudi Arabia prepare to inject significant investments into the country. Fadivol emphasized that reconstruction must be inclusive, ensuring the participation of all citizens without discrimination based on gender, religion, or ethnicity. He added, "With the fall of Assad's dictatorship, the Syrian people have entered a new era."