BERLIN, March 30 (Reuters) – Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that Syrian refugees who found asylum in Germany had an important part to play in rebuilding their country and Berlin would help those who wanted to return.
Speaking after a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin, Merz said many Syrian refugees had made a major contribution in Germany but that most wanted to return to their home country.
“They will play an important role in Syria following years of destruction of businesses, schools, nurseries and hospitals,” he told a joint news conference.
Merz’s coalition government imposed tougher controls on asylum seekers in Germany when it took power last year, as support for the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party surged.
Merz said Germany wanted to support the reconstruction process in Syria and was working with the government in Damascus on helping those who wanted to return.
“Over the past few weeks, we have drawn up an ambitious joint work programme for reconstruction and return, which is now being implemented,” he said.
Al-Sharaa said Syria would never forget how Germany had opened its doors to refugees during the civil war and said the two countries were restoring their partnership.
“We are working with our friends in Germany to establish a model of circular migration that allows Syrian talents to contribute to rebuilding their country,” he said.
(Reporting by James Mackenzie, Editing by Friederike Heine and Miranda Murray)
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