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French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Syria, a move that signals a significant shift in the country's international relations. This visit, the first by a Western European head of state since Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed power in 2024, underscores Syria's efforts to rebuild and reintegrate into the global community after more than 13 years of civil war.

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Macron is expected to visit Syria to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations and issues of common interest

The Syrian presidency's media office announced the anticipated visit, stating that discussions would focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing common interests. Macron will be accompanied by a delegation including investors and representatives of French companies, indicating a potential for economic cooperation and investment. This visit follows a series of high-profile trips by other international leaders, including Qatar's Emir, the European Commission chief, and Ukraine's President, signaling a growing diplomatic engagement with Damascus.

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including investors and representatives of French companies

Syria specialist Arthur Quesnay noted Macron's role as a driving force behind the new Syrian leadership's normalization of ties with Western nations. He suggested that Macron needs to demonstrate the success of his engagement with Sharaa. Bassam Barabandi, a Syrian diplomat, views the visit as France asserting its interests in the Syrian market and seeking influence comparable to that of the United States, though he cautioned that France might be acting late and has made past mistakes, such as its support for Kurdish autonomy.

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He gave Sharaa a leg up on the international stage

The visit also occurs against a backdrop of ongoing security challenges, including a recent bombing in Damascus that killed 10 people. Furthermore, the article touches upon Syria's evolving relationship with its Kurdish population. Damascus has recently asserted control over areas previously held by the Kurds, who were instrumental in the fight against ISIS. The Kurds have agreed to integrate their institutions into the state, a move that diminishes their aspirations for autonomy. France, having been a partner in the anti-ISIS coalition, is likely to discuss counter-terrorism efforts with Syria, especially given the presence of a few French extremists on Syrian soil.

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Macron needs to show it was a good bet