During the conference, Merz stated that 80% of Syrians should return to their homeland within three years, a claim he later attributed to al-Scharaa. The Syrian president subsequently denied making such a statement. Both leaders emphasized the importance of rebuilding Syria and the role of returning refugees in this process. Merz announced a joint task force to facilitate the return and support reconstruction efforts, while also acknowledging the need for a reliable return option for those without legal status in Germany.