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Syrian president cancels Germany visit, Merz meeting

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 18, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: January 19, 2026

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Syrian president cancels Germany visit, Merz meeting
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Syrian president cancels Germany visit, Merz meeting

BERLIN, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa has cancelled his visit to Berlin on Monday and Tuesday, a German government spokesperson told Reuters.

Al-Sharaa had been scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Talks with German business leaders were also planned.

A ceasefire was agreed on Sunday after days of fierce clashes between Syrian government troops and U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters.

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, Writing by Rachel More, Editing by Alexander Smith)

Key Takeaways

  • Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa canceled his Germany visit.
  • Meetings with German Chancellor and President were planned.
  • Talks with German business leaders were also on the agenda.
  • A ceasefire was reached after clashes with Kurdish fighters.
  • The cancellation was announced by a German spokesperson.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The main topic is the cancellation of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Germany and his meetings with German officials.
Why was the visit canceled?
The visit was canceled following a ceasefire agreement after clashes between Syrian government troops and Kurdish fighters.
Who was the Syrian President scheduled to meet?
He was scheduled to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

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