Macron Lands in Syria for al-Sharaa Talks, First Western European Visit Since Assad's 2024 Ouster
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 6
Macron Lands in Syria for al-Sharaa Talks, First Western European Visit Since Assad's 2024 Ouster
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 6
Summary
Damascus received Emmanuel Macron on Monday evening for talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by a Western European leader since Bashar al-Assad was toppled in 2024.
Macron said he came to back “the Syrian people” and a sovereign, united Syria, while Syrian state media said he brought a business delegation to discuss regional security and investment opportunities.
Ankara is the next stop for both leaders on Tuesday for the NATO summit, where al-Sharaa is expected to hold a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump.
France has been one of the strongest Western backers of Syria’s new leadership: Macron hosted al-Sharaa in Paris in May 2025 and pushed for lifting sanctions, most of which have since been removed.
Syria’s outreach comes as the country avoids the region’s latest wars but still faces scrutiny over minority and women’s rights and a reconstruction bill running into hundreds of billions of dollars.
Can billions in foreign investment truly rebuild Syria when its new government uses Facebook for official decrees?
Is the world prioritizing Syria's reconstruction over justice for the half a million victims of its 14-year conflict?
As the West re-engages with Syria, what happens to the nation's long-standing alliances with Russia and Iran?
France’s High-Stakes Engagement: Macron’s 2025 Visit and the Future of Syria under Ahmad al-Sharaa
Overview
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a landmark visit to Syria, becoming the first Western leader to travel there since Ahmed al-Sharaa took power in late 2024. This visit, the first by a French president since 2009, signals a new phase in French-Syrian relations. Macron will arrive with a business delegation, highlighting France’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties, boost economic cooperation, and continue political dialogue. The visit reflects both countries’ desire to open new opportunities for collaboration and marks a significant step in Syria’s re-engagement with the West after years of conflict and leadership change.