German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has pledged German support for the reconstruction of Syria in a phone call with the country's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The call, which took place on [Date of call], follows the recent ouster of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December.
According to a statement from the German government spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, Scholz and al-Sharaa agreed that an inclusive political process is necessary, one that grants participation, rights, and protection to all Syrians, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. Scholz assured al-Sharaa of the German government's commitment to assisting in Syria's reconstruction, aiming to make the country a free and safe home for all its people. This support will be coordinated with European and international partners.
Scholz also congratulated the Syrian people on ending the Assad regime's reign of terror. Al-Sharaa, in turn, expressed gratitude to Germany for accepting Syrian refugees in recent years.
Al-Sharaa was appointed interim president of Syria in late January. He previously led the Sunni Islamist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a key role in the overthrow of Assad after a protracted civil war. Since assuming power, the former rebel leader has adopted a more moderate stance.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also offered support to Syria during a visit to Damascus following Assad's fall, but stipulated conditions, including the protection of minorities.