In a statement from the Jordanian capital, Amman, ahead of an unannounced visit to Syria for security reasons, Wadephul explained that “this is the basic condition for building a foundation for a free, safe, and stable Syria today.”
The German minister called on the Syrian government to involve all citizens, “regardless of gender, religious, ethnic, or social affiliation,” stressing that Germany is contributing to establishing a new foundation for Syria through humanitarian aid, supporting mine and explosives removal efforts, as well as economic investments.
Wadephul pointed out that Syria’s geographical location makes it a “direct neighbor of the European Union,” noting that the events taking place there “directly and indirectly affect Germany as well.”
Wadephul is scheduled to hold meetings in Damascus with interim President Ahmed al-Shara and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, in a visit aimed at discussing ways to support stability and reconstruction a year after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Syria has been witnessing a state of turmoil since then, despite the efforts of the transitional government led by al-Shara to build a “Syria for all,” amid continuing waves of violence that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds.
Last September, the first parliamentary elections were held in the country since the political change, but they faced international criticism due to the weak representation of women and minorities.
Wadephul indicated that he will also discuss the issue of Syrian refugees in Germany during his visit, explaining that Berlin hopes that a large number of them will return to participate in the reconstruction of their country.
However, the unstable security situation still hinders the return of most of them, as data from the German Central Register of Foreigners shows that the number of Syrians residing in Germany reached approximately 951,400 people by the end of last August, and rose to 974,395 people by the end of November 2024.
