German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for enabling Syrians to rebuild their country, affirming that Berlin is ready to provide the support needed to make that happen.
At a joint press conference with his Nigerian counterpart, Yusuf Tuggar, in Berlin, details of which were carried by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency on Wednesday, November 5, Wadephul said, “Syrians must rebuild their country themselves, and of course they need our help in this regard, which is what I am working on now.”
He added that the German government’s primary goal is to ensure the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, explaining that there are no disagreements between him and Chancellor Friedrich Merz on this approach.
The German minister said he is working to create conditions that encourage more Syrians to return voluntarily, adding, “We must encourage Syrians to return voluntarily and give them a chance to take part in rebuilding their homeland.”
Wadephul revealed that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani will visit Berlin soon, indicating continued engagement between the two sides on files related to refugees and reconstruction.
He noted that Aleppo (northern Syria) is “the most war-damaged city in Syria,” pointing out that it was bombed jointly by Russia, Iran, and the former regime.
Wadephul sparks debate over refugees
Wadephul stirred a wide debate within his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), after voicing doubts about returning Syrian nationals to Syria during his visit to Harasta (Rural Damascus province on the outskirts of Damascus, southern Syria) on October 30.
After surveying the destruction in the area, he said he had never personally witnessed such extensive devastation and that “it is difficult for people to live here with dignity.”
He added during the visit that “it is only very limitedly possible at present to return Syrians to their homeland, because much of the country’s infrastructure has been destroyed,” pointing to the scale of damage caused by the war since 2011.
His remarks drew criticism from several party figures, including Günter Krings, deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary bloc, who called for deporting all Syrians required to leave the country. Krings described Wadephul’s argument that Syria was destroyed by war as “entirely inappropriate,” adding, “Who will rebuild the devastated country if not its own citizens?”
For his part, Martin Huber, secretary general of the Christian Social Union (CSU), told Bild newspaper that the war in Syria is over, which is cause for optimism, noting that Germany hosted and protected millions of Syrians during the years of conflict.
Huber added that people who no longer need asylum should return to their country, saying the current phase requires working to stabilize Syria and rehabilitate infrastructure, including housing and essential services.
He stressed that Syrians themselves are best placed to rebuild their country, and that people without grounds for asylum should return home.
Huber also said criminals and people whose residency permits have expired must be deported to Syria, adding that the German government is working hard to implement this.
He noted that this goal is set out in the governing coalition agreement, which stipulates deporting criminals and threats to public security to Syria, while calling for a “return strategy for Syrians” now that the war has ended.
Invitation to al-Sharaa to visit Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz invited the Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to visit Germany to discuss deporting Syrian nationals with criminal records, Reuters reported on November 3.
Merz said he invited the Syrian president to discuss deporting Syrians with criminal records in Germany. “We will, of course, continue deporting criminals to Syria. That is the plan, and we will now implement it in a very practical way,” he told reporters.
Merz added that Germany also seeks to help stabilize Syria and said he intends to discuss with al-Sharaa how the two sides can cooperate on these files.
“I will say it again, the war in Syria is over, and there are no longer reasons for asylum in Germany,” Merz said.
Interior Ministry too
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt reiterated his intention to deport refugees to Syria. A ministry spokesperson, speaking to the RND media network on November 3, said, “The federal government agreed in the coalition treaty to carry out deportations to Syria, starting with criminals.”
The spokesperson added that “the Federal Ministry of the Interior is currently working on an agreement with Syria to facilitate deportations.”
Earlier, Dobrindt announced that the German government plans to review asylum claims submitted by Syrians in preparation for deporting those whose applications have been rejected, with priority given to re-examining rejected claims filed by employable young Syrian men, according to Bild on October 12.
He added that authorities will withdraw refugee status from Syrians who traveled back to Syria after receiving protection in Germany, considering such returns evidence that “the reasons for asylum have ceased.”
German Foreign Ministry calls to support Syrians in rebuilding their country Enab Baladi.
Hence then, the article about german foreign ministry calls to support syrians in rebuilding their country was published today ( ) and is available on ُEnabbaladi ( Syria ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( German Foreign Ministry calls to support Syrians in rebuilding their country )
Also on site :