Germany pledges support for Syria's peaceful and stable development

German Development Minister Svenja Schulze has pledged support for Syria's "peaceful and stable" development during her visit to Damascus on Wednesday, where she met with the country's transitional authorities.

"After more than 50 years of dictatorship and 14 years of civil war, Syria now has an opportunity to begin stable and peaceful development," the minister stated in an official press release.

She emphasized that, "It would be a mistake on our part not to seize this historic opportunity to help Syria make a fresh start," adding that "Germany can do a lot to support the new beginning of Syrian society."

Schulze met with the transitional authorities, who assumed power on December 8 following a swift offensive by rebel groups that ousted former President Bashar al-Assad. During her visit, Schulze also held discussions with humanitarian organizations to "identify how Germany can support the development of a peaceful, stable, and inclusive Syria."

Germany currently hosts the largest Syrian community in Europe, with nearly one million refugees who fled the war. A study published in December warned that Germany could face a labor shortage, particularly in the healthcare sector, if Syrian refugees were to return to their homeland.

In response, Minister Schulze announced the expansion of an international partnership program aimed at supporting hospitals in Syria. This initiative is part of broader reconstruction efforts and is also designed to retain essential healthcare professionals in Germany.

Under this program, German doctors can travel to Syria for training initiatives, while Syrian medical professionals can come to Germany for educational programs. This exchange aims to strengthen Syria's healthcare system while addressing Germany's own workforce needs.