German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the return of Syrian refugees during a meeting with Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa in Berlin.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Merz said conditions in Syria have “fundamentally improved” following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the end of the civil war.
He did not provide a specific figure but referred to statements by al-Sharaa suggesting that up to 80 percent of Syrians living in Germany could return within three years.
Merz said priority would be given to returning individuals who have committed crimes or do not have legal residency status.
He also announced the formation of a joint working group, adding that a German delegation is expected to visit Syria soon.
Around one million Syrian refugees arrived in Germany during the civil war.
However, the issue of repatriation remains controversial, with ongoing concerns about the rights and safety of minorities in Syria.
Al-Sharaa also supported refugee returns, saying the war has ended but reconstruction is now underway.