German State Minister Serap Güller stressed that "there is a chance for the emergence of a new Syria, that Germany wants to deepen its relations with Damascus and that the reconstruction of the Syrian economy also represents an opportunity for the German economy.
Ahead of her departure for Syria on Monday (June 15th), the German minister said that the aim of her visit was "to strengthen relations and support the reconstruction of Syria, and that Germany has a great interest in the existence of a stable Syria that lives in peace with neighboring countries and provides security and dignity to its citizens."
"The critical factor for stability and a peaceful future for the country is an inclusive transition process that takes into account the rights of all "racial, religious and ethnic groups in Syria, and allows them equal political participation," Güler stressed.
Germany has "condemned the Assad dictatorship until its fall, has supported the civilian population in Syria and the Syrian opposition for many years, and has given Berlin refuge in Germany for more than a million people who fled Syria to escape the persecution of the Assad regime," she said.
An official visit that lasts several days
Minister Güler arrived in Syria for a multi-day visit for talks with representatives of the Syrian government, the economy and civil society.
The German Foreign Ministry said that in addition to Damascus, Minister Güller isvisiting Aleppo, Tartus, Latakia and other areas that have suffered significant destruction.
The visit comes as a continuation of bilateral talks between the two sides and follows President Ahmed al-Shara's visit to Germany in late March and his talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Germany and many EU countries attach great importance to Syria's restoration, hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have fled their country because of the war, and in March 2025, the EU pledged some €2.5 billion to Syria over two years.
Germany provides $1 million to support missing persons in Syria
The German mission to the United Nations announced on Wednesday (June 10th) that it would provide $1 million to support the Independent Foundation for Missing Persons in Syria, in a move that comes in cooperation with the Syrian government with the aim of supporting the families of the missing and promoting efforts to achieve reconciliation.
The head of the Independent Foundation for Missing Persons in Syria, Carla Quintana, expressed her appreciation for the German support, noting through the "X" platform that she was pleased with the discussion she had with German Minister of State Serap Güller on joint efforts to search for the missing and the pivotal role of this process in reconstruction and the consolidation of peace.
Quintana reiterated the foundation's gratitude for Germany's continued commitment and political and financial support for the tracing efforts in Syria.
A panel discussion organized by the German Federal Foreign Office saw the participation of representatives of Syrian civil society, together with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria and Carla Quintana, on priorities and coordination mechanisms related to efforts to uncover the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons in Syria.