French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, marking the first visit by a Western European head of state since Syria's new authorities assumed power in 2024. Macron's two-day trip aims to advocate for a pluralistic Syria and its role in regional stability.
The French presidency stated ahead of the visit that President Macron would champion "a free, pluralist Syria that respects each of its components" and a Syria that contributes to moderating Middle East tensions. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani officially welcomed Macron upon his arrival, as reported by an AFP journalist.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed leadership after ousting Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, is actively working to restore Syria's international standing and revitalize the nation's economy. The last French presidential visit to Syria was by Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009, preceding the 2011 pro-democracy protests, which escalated into a protracted conflict that caused immense destruction and loss of life.
Recent security challenges, including a bombing in Damascus, underscore the difficulties faced by the new Islamist leadership in unifying the country after over 13 years of civil war. Syrian state news agency SANA characterized Macron's visit as a "pivotal step in the process of restoring Syria's international presence." Local citizens expressed hope for renewed economic, cultural, and political ties, with one retired teacher noting the potential for a "new start for Syria."
President Macron is accompanied by prominent business leaders, including Rodolphe Saade, CEO of CMA CGM, and Patrick Pouyanne, head of TotalEnergies. Discussions are anticipated to focus on Syria's reconstruction and investment opportunities, as French businesses remain cautious about re-engaging with the country. Macron is expected to hold "informal" talks with President Sharaa before official meetings on Tuesday.
Key agenda items include President Macron's call for Sharaa to uphold his commitment to protecting minority populations, following sectarian violence in certain regions last year. The fight against the Islamic State group and the presence of French jihadists in Syria are also significant discussion points. Syria officially joined the international anti-IS coalition last year.
The visit is seen by analysts as significant for shifting France's Syria policy toward a more pragmatic approach, particularly concerning the Kurdish issue. Syria's Kurdish population played a crucial role in the fight against IS, but their institutions have recently been integrated into the state, impacting their autonomy aspirations. Experts suggest Macron's trip aims to consolidate the new Syrian regime amid regional geopolitical complexities involving Turkey and Israel.
President Macron is scheduled to travel to Ankara on Tuesday evening for a NATO summit, where he will hold discussions with Turkey's president. The White House has confirmed that President Trump will meet President Sharaa on the sidelines of the summit. France has expressed reservations regarding suggestions that Syria could address Hezbollah in Lebanon, a notion denied by President Sharaa.
