Syrian president to talk war, migrants on Germany visit

German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa on Monday as he visits Berlin for talks on the Middle East war, rebuilding his country and Germany's efforts to send back Syrian refugees.

This landmark visited marks the first time a Syrian head of state has visited Germany in 25 years. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said Merz and Sharaa would discuss the Middle East war, Syria's political situation and reconstruction efforts, and the return of Syrians to their homeland.

While in Berlin, Sharaa will also join a political and business forum exploring "prospects for economic recovery and the reconstruction of Syria", a German foreign ministry spokesman said.