Syria and Germany have formalized a new bilateral partnership by signing an air transport agreement and establishing a joint committee aimed at fostering cooperation in areas including economic recovery, reconstruction, and investment. The declaration to form the Syrian-German Joint Committee was signed in Damascus on Thursday by Qutaiba Kadish, the director of international cooperation at the Syrian Foreign Ministry, and Geza Andreas von Geyr, the German Minister of State at the Foreign Office.
Following the signing, the committee held its inaugural session, which was co-chaired by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani and von Geyr. The committee is tasked with addressing several key sectors, such as energy, transport, and civil aviation, while also focusing on strategies to attract joint investments. Additionally, the body will facilitate discussions regarding transitional justice, the status of missing persons, and the situation of Syrian refugees in Germany, including potential pathways for their voluntary return.
In a separate development, Samah Arabi, deputy head of Syria's General Authority for Civil Aviation and Air Transport and Civil Aviation, joined von Geyr to sign an official air transport agreement between the two nations. This agreement builds upon a previous joint declaration of intent signed in Berlin on March 30, effectively establishing the legal and regulatory framework for air travel links. The implementation process will involve close coordination between aviation authorities, the designation of airlines, the regulation of flight frequencies and traffic rights, and the issuance of necessary technical and security approvals.
These diplomatic developments follow a series of recent milestones in the bilateral relationship. Germany officially reopened its embassy in Damascus on March 25, 2025, ending a 13-year closure that began during the uprising against the Bashar al Assad regime. Furthermore, Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa, who took office following the ouster of Assad, conducted an official state visit to Berlin on March 29, 2026.
