Al-Sharaa met Starmer at 10 Downing Street, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state to London since former president Bashar Assad traveled to the UK in 2002.According to a Downing Street spokesperson, discussions covered migration returns, border security and efforts to combat people-smuggling networks.

Starmer also welcomed steps taken by Damascus against Daesh, citing progress in counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.The talks also addressed broader regional stability concerns alongside economic cooperation.

The visit comes as Syria seeks foreign investment to rebuild infrastructure damaged during years of civil war. Al-Sharaa is expected to hold further meetings with senior British officials during his stay.

He was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Economy Minister Nidal Al-Shaar.European outreach continuesAl-Sharaa arrived in London following a visit to Germany, where he met Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as part of a broader diplomatic push to re-engage European partners.

No specific agreements were announced following the London meeting.

Speaking alongside Syrian transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Berlin, Merz said both governments were seeking to create conditions that would allow more Syrians to return voluntarily to their homeland.

Germany hosts the largest Syrian diaspora in the European Union, with more than one million Syrians, many of whom arrived during the 2015–2016 migrant influx.“We are working jointly toward more Syrians being able to return to their homeland,” Merz said at a joint press conference.

Sharaa said Damascus and Berlin were exploring a “circular” migration framework that would allow Syrians to participate in rebuilding their country while retaining the option to remain in Germany.

Such a model would enable returnees to contribute to reconstruction efforts without permanently relinquishing the economic and social stability they have established abroad, he said.

Merz said Germany intended to support Syria’s reconstruction after years of civil war, adding that a German delegation would travel to Syria in the coming days to advance cooperation.

However, he stressed that deeper bilateral engagement would depend on progress toward establishing rule-of-law institutions.

“Many joint projects in the future will depend on our finding a state governed by the rule of law,” Merz said, adding that he was confident such conditions could be achieved following discussions with Sharaa.

The focus of the proposed approach is on clearing debris, rebuilding essential infrastructure, and creating a foundation for long-term growth.

The plan is led by a Palestinian civil engineer with prior experience in public planning and development projects.

His background in infrastructure development shapes a vision centered on technical solutions and phased reconstruction.

Large areas of Gaza have suffered extensive physical damage, leaving behind significant volumes of rubble.

Addressing this debris is seen as a critical first step toward rebuilding homes, roads, utilities, and public facilities.

One proposed method involves relocating rubble to designated areas to create usable space and accelerate cleanup.

Similar approaches have been used in the past to support land development and infrastructure foundations.

The immediate priority outlined in the plan is humanitarian relief and temporary shelter solutions.

Providing safe housing, access to basic services, and restoring essential utilities are viewed as urgent needs.

Following emergency relief, attention would shift toward rehabilitating vital infrastructure systems.

This includes electricity networks, water supply, sanitation facilities, and transportation corridors.

Industrial and commercial zones are also part of the longer-term development vision.

Reviving economic activity is considered essential for employment generation and community stability.

The plan emphasizes a phased timeline that balances urgency with practical implementation.

Initial cleanup and stabilization would be followed by structured rebuilding over several years.

Education, healthcare, and public services are highlighted as core components of recovery.

Reconstructing schools, hospitals, and community facilities is seen as vital for social resilience.

Urban planning principles play a central role in the proposed rebuilding strategy.

Thoughtful land use, improved infrastructure layout, and sustainable construction methods are emphasized.

The vision also includes creating opportunities for future growth beyond basic reconstruction.

This involves modernizing infrastructure to support technology, trade, and regional connectivity.

Coordination among technical experts, administrators, and humanitarian organizations is considered crucial.

Effective collaboration can help ensure resources are allocated efficiently and projects move forward smoothly.

Rebuilding efforts are expected to face logistical and operational challenges.

Careful planning, clear prioritization, and transparent management are seen as key to overcoming obstacles.

The approach underscores optimism about Gaza’s potential to recover over time.

With sustained effort, planning, and investment, improved living conditions are viewed as achievable.

Long-term development goals focus on resilience and adaptability.

Infrastructure is envisioned not only to replace what was lost but to support future needs.

Economic revitalization is linked closely with infrastructure recovery.Improved facilities can encourage investment, job creation, and local enterprise growth.

The plan frames reconstruction as a multi-year process rather than a short-term project.

Progress is expected to be gradual, building step by step toward stability and prosperity.

Community involvement is also highlighted as an important element of recovery.

Local participation can help align rebuilding efforts with the needs of residents.

Overall, the rebuilding vision presents a structured pathway toward recovery and renewal.

It centers on technical planning, humanitarian priorities, and a forward-looking development outlook.