German House Opens in Damascus to Boost Development Ties

Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) opened the German House on Wednesday at the Golden Mazzeh Hotel in Damascus, aiming to strengthen German development cooperation with Syria and support improved living conditions. The opening was attended by Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and German State Secretary Niels Annen, along with officials, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international institutions and German companies.

Structure of the German House

The German House brings together the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the German Development Bank (KfW) under the umbrella of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Al-Shibani noted that GIZ has operated in Syria since 1976, and that the cooperation agreement signed between the two countries in 1977 still forms the framework governing bilateral relations. He said the draft agreement for the German House had remained pending for 15 years before its activation.

First KfW Office in Damascus

Al-Shibani said the German Development Bank, established in 1948 with Marshall Plan funds, opened its first office in Damascus on the same day. German State Secretary Niels Annen described the opening as a milestone in Syrian German relations, adding that the new premises bring the German side closer to its partners and enhance direct communication.

Proposed Areas of Cooperation

Annen noted that the large number of German company representatives participating in the visit reflects their interest in contributing to several sectors, including:

• Energy
• Water supply
• Pharmaceuticals
• Transport

Abdul Karim Iqziz, director of European relations at the international cooperation department of the Foreign Ministry, said GIZ and KfW have implemented humanitarian and development projects in Syria for years, pointing to a new cooperation framework represented by the Joint Syrian German Committee.

Ongoing Projects and Private Sector Financing

Ingrid Gabriela Hoven, deputy chair of GIZ's executive board, said the agency is currently implementing 16 projects in Syria with a total value of 337 million euros, including projects worth 70 million euros this year. These projects cover youth training and employment programs, rehabilitation of irrigation projects, and support for citizen centers handling property rights issues.

Brigitte Rittier, member of KfW's executive management board, added that the broad participation of German companies in the opening reflects the interest of the German private sector in engaging with Syria, stating that the bank will continue providing financing opportunities for private sector actors, particularly through DEG, its investment and development finance subsidiary.