Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is holding talks with German officials on Monday in his first visit to Germany, focusing on the Middle East war, Syria’s reconstruction, and refugee return efforts.

Al-Sharaa met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and is scheduled to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz later in the day.

The visit follows the lifting of several international sanctions on Syria over the past year, aimed at supporting reconstruction after a 14-year conflict.

German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said the discussions will cover regional escalation, Syria’s political situation, reconstruction efforts, and the return of Syrian refugees.