"Boosting Syrian Economy and Stability: Germany's New Move"
German-Syrian economic council was announced by Foreign Minister Wadephul
In a recent announcement, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul disclosed plans for a German-Syrian Economic Council. This initiative comes six months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, with the aim of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries to aid in Syria's reconstruction. The decision was made during a phone conversation with the Foreign Minister of the transitional Syrian government, Asaad al-Shaibani.
Wadephul had initially planned a trip to Damascus last Saturday, but the Israeli attack on Iran disrupted these plans. The minister emphasized the importance of significantly improving Syria's economic foundations as the primary focus. His Syrian counterpart assured Wadephul of the government's commitment to a policy of stability and internal reconciliation, which is crucial for Germany, as the minister stated, "We firmly believe that if all religious and ethnic groups in Syria can develop, this country can return to stability."
Currently, Syria, with a population of approximately 23 million people, is led by a transitional government headed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa previously commanded the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a key role in the rebel alliance that toppled Assad on December 8, 2024. The international community is closely monitoring the protection of minorities in the new Syria, with concerns arising from recurring episodes of sectarian violence among the Druze, Alawites, and Christians.
The German-Syrian Economic Council, in essence, aims to foster economic collaboration and support Syria's economic recovery, particularly with the European Union lifting all sanctions against Syria earlier in 2025. This decision provides the Syrian government an opportunity to rebuild its economy and encourages the adoption of inclusive domestic policies that unite Syria's diverse population, as per a broader strategy helping Syria meet its people's basic needs and foster sustainable economic foundations for a peaceful and successful new start in the country.
The council will also engage the Syrian diaspora in Germany, including professionals and business owners, who are willing to invest and contribute their skills to Syria’s economic revival.
[1]: The Council aims to enhance economic cooperation between Germany and Syria, boost Syria’s economic prosperity and stability, support Syria’s recovery by building on the lifting of EU sanctions, encourage the involvement of the Syrian diaspora in Germany to invest and contribute skills, and promote inclusive policies within Syria to unite its diverse population and allow the country to take charge of its own future.[2]: The council's efforts will not only involve governmental engagement but also participation of the Syrian diaspora in Germany.[3]: The lifting of EU sanctions is seen as a chance for the Syrian government to rebuild its economy while encouraging inclusive domestic policies.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
- The German-Syrian Economic Council's primary goal is to foster economic cooperation between the two nations, boost Syria's prosperity and stability, support its recovery by leveraging the EU's lifted sanctions, encourage investments from the Syrian diaspora in Germany, and promote inclusive policies within Syria to unite its diverse population, enabling the country to take control of its future.
- The council's endeavors will extend beyond governmental participation, incorporating the involvement of the Syrian diaspora in Germany as well.
