(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has extended an invitation to Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to visit Berlin for discussions focused on bilateral ties, Syria’s reconstruction, and the return of refugees, according to official statements.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Merz said the talks aim to address Syria’s political transition and economic recovery, emphasizing that the country “now needs all its resources – above all the Syrian people – to rebuild the country.”

“The civil war in Syria is over, and the country now needs all its resources – above all the Syrian people – to rebuild the country,” he said, adding that many Syrians living in Germany are expected to return voluntarily. “Many Syrians in Germany will certainly return to Syria of their own accord. We know a large proportion want to go back. We will encourage this and help the country rebuild quickly.”

Merz also indicated a tougher stance toward deportations of Syrian nationals convicted of crimes or residing in Germany without legal status. “The civil war in Syria is over. There are no longer any grounds for asylum in Germany, and therefore we can begin repatriations,” he said.

He expressed hope that most Syrian refugees would willingly return and contribute to rebuilding their homeland, noting, “Without these people, reconstruction is not possible. Those in Germany who refuse to return to the country can of course be expelled in the near future.”

Germany currently hosts over 700,000 Syrian refugees, with the broader Syrian-origin population—including dual nationals and permanent residents—estimated at around 1.3 million.

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