French president Macron arrives in Syria, first EU leader to visit post-Assad regime's fall

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, marking the first official visit by a European Union head of state to Syria since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to the Syrian people, expressing a desire for a sovereign, united, and peaceful Syria. He stated on X, "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, with Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani receiving him. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been working to restore the country's international standing and economy following the end of the Assad regime in December 2024. This visit is the first by a French president since Nicolas Sarkozy's trip in 2009, prior to the civil war that erupted in 2011.

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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.

Macron is accompanied by senior business leaders, including CMA CGM chief executive Rodolphe Saade and TotalEnergies chief Patrick Pouyanne. Discussions are anticipated to focus on Syria's reconstruction and potential investments, though French businesses remain cautious. The French President is also expected to urge President al-Sharaa to protect minority communities amid recent sectarian violence. Counterterrorism efforts against the Islamic State group and the presence of French jihadists in Syria are also on the agenda. Syria joined the international coalition against the Islamic State last year.

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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.