Berlin – A planned visit by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shareh to Germany has been postponed at the request of the Syrian side, according to a statement released by a German government spokesperson.
The visit, initially scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, would have been President Al-Shareh’s first to Germany since assuming office. The postponement follows President Al-Shareh’s announcement on Sunday of a newly brokered ceasefire agreement with Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This announcement came after government forces made territorial gains in several northern and eastern regions of Syria in recent days.
President Al-Shareh cited adverse weather conditions as the reason for Mr. Abdi’s delayed visit to Damascus, stating that it is now expected to take place today, Monday.
The now-postponed visit to Germany was expected to focus on Berlin’s efforts to accelerate the repatriation of Syrian refugees. Germany has received approximately one million Syrian refugees in recent years, with a significant influx occurring between 2015 and 2016 as individuals fled the conflict in their homeland.
During the planned visit, President Al-Shareh was scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as well as engage in discussions with leading German business figures.
Prior to the postponement, a German government spokesperson affirmed Berlin’s openness to deepening relations and initiating a new chapter with the new Syrian government. President Al-Shareh has undertaken several international visits since taking office approximately a year ago, including trips to countries in the region, the United States, France, and Brazil.
The reasons behind Syria’s request for postponement are still unclear.
