A quarter-century after the last visit by a Syrian president to Berlin, the country’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is set to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Monday. His treatment of minorities, in particular, has drawn criticism.

30. March 2026

Ahmad al-Scharaa, Johann Wadephul. Oktober 2025

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visiting Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, October 2025. (picture alliance/dpa | Marcus Brandt)

Last updated: 30. March 2026