Foreign Minister Serap Güler (CDU) began a trip to Syria on Monday. According to the Federal Foreign Office, during her visit, she will meet with representatives from the Syrian government, its business community, and civil society groups.
Güler stated that the visit aims for the German government to visit wide areas of Syria-including the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia, as well as the once-major economic center of Aleppo, which is heavily damaged today-for the first time since the fall of the Assad dictatorship, alongside Damascus. She emphasized that there is a possibility of a new Syria emerging, and Germany is committed to further deepening its relationship with the country.
Germany holds a strong interest in seeing Syria become stable, living in peace with its neighboring nations, and providing security and dignity to its citizens. The Syrian government has recently announced plans to open up its economy and encourage investment, an area Güler noted could also present opportunities for German businesses involved in the reconstruction of the Syrian economy.
Güler added that the key to stabilizing Syria and ensuring a peaceful future lies in implementing an “inclusive transition process.” This process, she stressed, must account for the rights of every regional, societal, religious, and ethnic group in Syria, guaranteeing them equal political participation. A crucial component of this transition, according to Güler, will be the imminent formation of a National Assembly. This body must represent all Syrians, regardless of population group, and serve as a “platform for a peaceful and equal dialogue” regarding the future of Syria.
