Germany's GIZ, KfW Resume Syria Work After 14 Years

President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Syria has spent the past two years removing obstacles to rebuilding and creating conditions for major companies to enter the market. He stated that the country has moved past the stage of introductions and trust-building with international partners and entered a stage of practical work.

German Delegation Visit

President al-Sharaa noted that the German delegation was among the first to visit Damascus, adding that much of what was discussed in those meetings has since translated into concrete steps. President al-Sharaa held a round-table meeting at the People's Palace in Damascus with Niels Annen, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Return of German Institutions

According to the head of the German delegation, the return of German cooperation institutions to Syria represents a practical step in developing relations between the two countries. The steps included:

• Opening of the German House in Damascus
• Resumption of operations by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Syria
• Resumption of activity by the German Development Bank (KfW) after a 14-year suspension

The delegation head added that these steps embody the start of implementing understandings reached during President al-Sharaa's visit to Berlin, reflecting a practical commitment to strengthening Syrian German cooperation in the coming period.

Foreign Ministry Talks

Foreign and Expatriates Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said the significant German economic presence in Syria reflects a major opportunity to develop relations between the two countries, stressing the importance of expanding ties beyond political and security frameworks toward a broad economic partnership. Al-Shibani had earlier met with a German ministry delegation led by Annen, during which both sides discussed ways to strengthen economic and development cooperation, along with projects by GIZ and KfW, in line with national recovery and rebuilding priorities.

Investment Opportunity of the Current Phase

President al-Sharaa noted that national economies go through stages of growth and prosperity before their growth rates stabilize, stating that the current phase in Syria represents an important investment opportunity, and that the opportunities available now may not remain with the same momentum in the future.