ALBAWABA- French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, becoming the first leader of a major Western nation to visit Syria since President Ahmad al-Sharaa took office following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in late 2024.
The two-day visit marks a significant step in Western engagement with Syria's new leadership and signals a potential shift in diplomatic relations after years of isolation under Assad.
In a statement, the Élysée Palace said Macron would advocate for "a free and pluralistic Syria that respects all its components" while encouraging Damascus to play a constructive role in reducing tensions across the Middle East.
The visit is widely viewed as a symbolic milestone in Syria's post-Assad transition, reflecting France's renewed diplomatic outreach as the country seeks political stability, international recognition, and reconstruction after years of conflict.
French officials said Macron's talks with Syrian leaders will focus on political reforms, inclusive governance, minority rights, humanitarian assistance, and bilateral cooperation. The Élysée also expressed hope that a more inclusive Syria could contribute to broader regional stability amid continuing tensions involving Iran, Israel, and other regional actors.
Syrian authorities welcomed the visit as an important step toward rebuilding relations with Western nations and attracting international support for the country's reconstruction efforts. Macron is expected to meet President Ahmad al-Sharaa and senior Syrian officials before concluding his visit on Tuesday.
Following his trip to Damascus, Macron will travel to Ankara to attend the NATO summit alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the German chancellor, and other Alliance leaders.
The back-to-back visits underscore France's efforts to play a leading diplomatic role in shaping Western policy toward Syria while coordinating with NATO allies on regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Macron's visit comes as Syria's transitional government faces the challenges of rebuilding a war-ravaged economy, forming an inclusive political system, and managing complex regional and international relationships following the end of Assad's decades-long rule.
