Syria's Economy Minister Holds High-Level Talks in Berlin to Advance Bilateral Relations

High-Level Meetings at the Federal Chancellery

Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar and Syria's chargé d'affaires in Berlin, Mohammad Baraa Shukri, met with Gunter Sauter, foreign policy adviser to the German Federal Chancellor, at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin. The Ministry of Economy and Industry confirmed on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, that the meeting focused on Syrian-German relations, with particular attention to political and foreign affairs dimensions.

On the preceding day, Al-Shaar and Shukri had also met with Britta Berendt, Minister of State at the Federal Chancellery, to discuss coordination across several areas of mutual interest.

Dialogue Agenda and Shared Priorities

The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on a range of issues of common concern, within a framework aimed at deepening dialogue and communication between the two sides. Minister Al-Shaar noted that these discussions build on the momentum established during President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's official visit to Berlin on 29 March 2026, which marked the opening of a new chapter in Syrian-German relations grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and peace.

Siemens Partnership in the Electricity Sector

Among the most concrete outcomes highlighted by the minister is the agreement to advance cooperation with Siemens in the field of electricity generation. This partnership, which had been initiated previously, was reinforced during the presidential visit through the signing of new memoranda of understanding, making it one of the most tangible deliverables of the bilateral relationship at this stage.

The Joint Syrian-German Economic Committee

Al-Shaar announced that both sides are preparing to launch the Joint Syrian-German Economic Committee in the near term, with the body expected to begin work immediately upon its establishment across multiple tracks, including:

• Joint investment
• Technology transfer
• Social and development cooperation

Strategic Context of the Bilateral Relationship

These meetings form part of a growing economic and diplomatic engagement between Damascus and Berlin, as Syria seeks to deepen partnerships with major European economies in the rebuilding phase following years of conflict. Germany, as Europe's leading economic power, represents a pivotal partner in Syria's broader drive toward international economic integration.