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Israeli Strike Kills Two People in Gaza, Medics Say

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Syria, marking the first trip by a Western European head of state since the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa took power.
  • The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss common interests, with a delegation of investors and company representatives accompanying Macron.
  • The announcement follows a bombing in Damascus and comes as Syria seeks to rebuild after over 13 years of civil war, with France seeking influence in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron is poised to visit Syria, a move that would mark the first trip by a Western European head of state since Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed leadership in 2024. The Syrian presidency announced the anticipated visit, stating it would focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared interests. A delegation including investors and representatives from French companies is expected to accompany Macron.

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

— Syrian presidency's media officeAnnouncing the anticipated visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Syria.

The visit comes at a critical juncture for Syria, which is striving to recover from over 13 years of devastating civil war. The announcement follows a recent bombing in Damascus that killed 10 people, highlighting ongoing security challenges. This potential visit by Macron signifies France's engagement with Syria's new leadership, following earlier visits by other international figures like Qatar's Emir and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

He gave Sharaa a leg up on the international stage

— Arthur QuesnayDescribing French President Macron's role in supporting the new Syrian leadership's international standing.

Syria specialists suggest Macron is a key figure in normalizing ties between Syria and Western countries. Arthur Quesnay, a Syria specialist, told AFP that Macron "gave Sharaa a leg up on the international stage" and "needs to show it was a good bet." Bassam Barabandi, a Syrian diplomat, views the visit as France asserting its interest in the Syrian market and influence, stating, "France is telling the Americans that we have a share in the Syrian market as much as you have."

needs to show it was a good bet

— Arthur QuesnayCommenting on the stakes for President Macron regarding his engagement with Syria.

However, Barabandi also noted that France might be "late and after many mistakes," particularly regarding its past support for Syrian Kurdish autonomy. Damascus recently regained control of Kurdish-held territories, and the Kurds have agreed to integrate their institutions into the state. France, having itself faced ISIS attacks, is likely to discuss counter-terrorism efforts, given the Kurds' significant role in the fight against ISIS during the Syrian civil war.

France is telling the Americans that we have a share in the Syrian market as much as you have. And we would love to have influence in Syria the way you have

— Bassam BarabandiInterpreting the significance of a potential Macron visit to Syria in terms of French and American interests.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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