Macron in Damascus: First Western President to Visit Syria After Assad's Fall

2026-07-06T17:19:09.939Z

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on a historic two-day visit, the first by a major Western head of state since President Ahmed al-Sharaa took power after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Macron reaffirms France's support for building a free and stable Syria, while discussing bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday for a historic visit, the first by a major Western head of state since President Ahmed al-Sharaa took power in Syria in late 2024, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime, according to an AFP correspondent.

The visit continues until Tuesday, and is the first by a French president to Syria in 17 years. Macron will meet his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa in a roundtable discussion including delegations from both countries.

The Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron will affirm during the meeting France's support for building 'a free, stable and sovereign Syria that respects all components of Syrian society,' and will call for 'a pluralistic Syria playing a role in calming tensions' in the Middle East, while reiterating demands for the Syrian government to enhance regional stability, particularly in Lebanon.

Macron is accompanied by a delegation of investors and representatives from French companies, a clear indication of the two countries' move towards strengthening economic cooperation alongside political issues, according to the media directorate of the Syrian presidency for the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

The talks will cover regional and international developments, and prospects for bilateral cooperation in various fields, within the framework of the shared keenness to continue political dialogue and strengthen relations between the two countries.

This visit comes after President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited France last year at Macron's invitation, where the two sides held talks at the Élysée Palace on ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand cooperation in various fields.