Syria’s Al‑Sharaa Cancels Berlin Trip as Germany Keeps Invitation Open

Overview

• The Syrian presidential office confirmed that the January 20 visit to Berlin will not take place.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the cancellation was due to the domestic situation in Syria.
• Merz stated his invitation to President Ahmed al‑Sharaa remains in force and signaled support for reconciliation efforts.
• The trip had been set to include meetings with President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier, the chancellor and representatives of German companies.
• Merz described a January 18 ceasefire between Syrian government forces and Kurdish‑led units as an encouraging development.