French president Macron arrives in Syria, first EU leader to visit post-Assad regime's fall
Damascus, July 7
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday reaffirmed France's support for the Syrian people and called for a sovereign, united and peaceful Syria as he arrived in Damascus on his first official visit to the country.
The event marks the first official visit to Syria by a serving European Union head of state.
In a post shared on X, Macron said, "I have come to express France's commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours. Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace."
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates confirmed Macron's arrival in a post on X, stating that Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani received the French President in the Syrian capital.
"Foreign Minister and Expatriates Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani received His Excellency the President of the French Republic Mr. Emmanuel Macron in the capital Damascus, upon his arrival to the Syrian Arab Republic in the first official visit he is conducting to the country," the ministry said.
According to France 24, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been working to restore the country's international standing and revive its struggling economy following the ouster of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Macron's visit marks the first by a French president since Nicolas Sarkozy travelled to Syria in 2009, before Assad's crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011 triggered a civil war that claimed more than half a million lives and left much of the country's infrastructure and industry in ruins, as reported by France 24.
A deadly bombing at a cafe in Damascus last week underscored the security challenges facing Syria's new Islamist-led authorities as they seek to reunify the country after more than 13 years of conflict, France 24 reported.
Meanwhile, Macron hosted Syrian President in May 2025 during his first official visit to a European country, ahead of Sharaa's subsequent trip to Washington, where he met US President Donald Trump.
The French President is accompanied on the visit by senior business leaders, including CMA CGM chief executive Rodolphe Saade and TotalEnergies chief Patrick Pouyanne.
Discussions are expected to focus on Syria's reconstruction and potential investments, although French businesses remain cautious about returning to the country, as reported by France 24.
Macron is also expected to press Sharaa to uphold his commitment to protecting minority communities following sectarian violence in Syria's Alawite and Druze regions last year. Counterterrorism efforts against the Islamic State group and the continued presence of a small number of French jihadists in Syria are also expected to feature in the talks, according to France 24.
Syria joined the international coalition against the Islamic State last year.
Neighbouring Turkey remains a key backer of Syria's new leadership, while Israel has carried out repeated strikes and military incursions into the country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, France 24 reported.
Macron is scheduled to travel to Ankara on Tuesday evening for the NATO summit and hold talks with Turkey's president the following day.
Meanwhile, the White House has said that US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Sharaa on the sidelines of the summit on Wednesday.
France has opposed suggestions by Trump that Syria could take action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, where Israel and the Iran-backed group have been engaged in war. Sharaa has denied that Syria intends to intervene in Lebanon, as reported by France 24.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's interesting that Macron is bringing business leaders like TotalEnergies and CMA CGM. This is clearly about oil and trade, not just humanitarian aid. As an outsider watching from the US, I wonder if France is jumping too fast without guarantees from the new government.
Mumbai se dekh rahi hoon, toh ek baat clear hai — Syria ka reconstruction opportunity hai, but French companies cautious hain. India should also explore avenues there. We have experience in rebuilding post-conflict zones. But the biggest concern is minority rights. Alawites and Druze faced violence — Macron must press hard on that. Human rights cannot be sacrificed for business deals. 🙏
Let's not forget the bombing in Damascus just last week. Security is still fragile. Macron visiting with CEOs seems premature. The new Syrian leadership is Islamist-led — there are legitimate questions about their commitment to pluralism. France should ensure that any investment comes with strict conditions on human rights.
As an Indian, I see parallels with our own foreign policy. Macron is balancing ties with Turkey (key backer of Syria's new leaders) while also visiting. Smart geopolitics. But why is the US not leading this? Trump meeting Sharaa at NATO summit — that's interesting. India should increase its engagement with the new Syrian government. We have strong historical relations and can help in sectors like healthcare and education.
I'm glad an EU leader is finally engaging. But France needs to push for justice for the hundreds of thousands killed under Assad. The new leadership must not repeat the same
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.