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Syria’s Al‑Sharaa Cancels Berlin Visit Planned for Jan. 19–20

German officials cited Syria’s volatile security situation as the reason.

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivers a speech on the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall, in Damascus, Syria December 8, 2025. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo

Overview

  • A German government spokesperson confirmed that President Ahmed al‑Sharaa called off his two‑day visit to Berlin.
  • The schedule had included talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier, plus meetings with German business leaders.
  • The cancellation followed days of clashes between Syrian government forces and the U.S.-backed Kurdish‑led SDF, with a ceasefire reported on Sunday.
  • Al‑Sharaa said he reached a deal with the SDF after recent fighting, describing a withdrawal to Kurdish‑majority areas of Hasakah and changes in control in Deir Ezzor and Raqqa.
  • No new date was announced for the trip, which was to cover issues including economic engagement and the future of Syrians living in Germany.