The German government announced the postponement of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Berlin, originally scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, following a request from the Syrian side.

The delay came after al-Sharaa announced on Sunday that he had reached a new ceasefire agreement with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, following recent advances by government forces in northern and eastern Syria.

Al-Sharaa explained that “bad weather” had prevented Abdi from traveling to Damascus on Sunday, but that the visit would take place on Monday.

The trip would have been al-Sharaa’s first visit to Germany since taking office, expected to focus on Berlin’s efforts to accelerate the return of Syrian refugees.

Around one million Syrians have sought refuge in Germany in recent years, many arriving between 2015 and 2016 during the height of the war.

Al-Sharaa was scheduled to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as well as hold talks with German business leaders.

A government spokesperson had previously stated that Berlin was “open to deepening relations and starting anew with the new Syrian government.”

Since assuming office about a year ago, al-Sharaa has made several foreign trips, including to regional countries, the United States, France, and Brazil.

Sources - Agencies