Macron visits Syria, first by Western European leader since 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, marking the first visit by a Western European head of state to Syria since the country's new authorities assumed power in 2024. Macron stated his purpose was to "express France’s commitment to the Syrian people" and to advocate for "a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors."

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed Macron, who is scheduled to depart on Tuesday. The French presidency indicated that Macron would champion "a free, pluralist Syria that respects each of its components" and play a role in moderating regional tensions. He was accompanied by French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

The visit underscores Syria's significant geopolitical shift under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander who has forged ties with Western and Middle Eastern nations that previously shunned the Assad regime. The last French presidential visit was by Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009, prior to the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011 that ignited a devastating civil war.

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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 neighbors. Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace.

Syrian state news agency SANA described Macron's visit as "a pivotal step in the process of restoring Syria’s international presence," heralding a new phase in Syrian-French relations based on mutual respect and partnership. Reconstruction is expected to be a key focus, with French business leaders, including CEOs from TotalEnergies and CMA CGM, accompanying Macron.

Despite the visit, Syria faces ongoing security challenges, including a recent bombing in Damascus. The new authorities are working to reunify the country after more than 13 years of conflict that killed over half a million people and devastated its infrastructure.

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a pivotal step in the process of restoring Syria’s international presence. Syrian-French relations are entering a new phase based on mutual respect and a balanced partnership.